Kaplan University Empowerment Awards Highlight Accomplishments of Extraordinary Teams in Government and Nonprofit Sectors

DAVENPORT, Iowa --(Business Wire)--

Kaplan University, a leader in higher education innovation, announces the winners of the Kaplan University Empowerment Awards for Public Service Teams, including a special honor for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY). The nationwide awards program was created to recognize and honor the outstanding work of teams in the government and nonprofit sectors that are involved in delivering public services. Nominations were received from all over the U.S. and covered five categories: criminal justice, public administration, human services, fire and emergency management, and public education.

The award recipients for the Kaplan University Empowerment Awards are as follows (by category):

Criminal Justice: Manchester Police Athletic League of Manchester, New Hampshire
Fire and Emergency Management: Santa Barbara County Fire Department of Santa Barbara, California
Human Services: Crime Survivors, Inc. of Irvine, California
Public Administration: The Libre Initiative of Miami, Florida
Public Education: Jupiter High School Language Department of Jupiter, Florida

"It was an honor to learn about all of the exemplary work that public service teams are committed to across the country," said Connie Bosse, vice president of Kaplan University's College of Public Service. "All of the winners of the Kaplan University Empowerment Awards really embody our mission of serving the needs of the public and, more broadly, the greater good of society."

Each winning team will receive a $1,000 donation from the Kaplan University College of Public Service to benefit the charity of its choice, and a maximum of 10 team members will receive a complimentary course offered by the College of Public Service. In addition, the winning teams will be featured on the College of Public Service website, in its e-newsletter and on Kaplan University's social media platforms.

In special recognition, Kaplan University is also honoring the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for their rescue, recovery and relief efforts during and after Hurricane Sandy. Like the Empowerment Award winners, the FDNY will receive a $1,000 donation from the Kaplan University College of Public Service to benefit the charity of its choice. Up to 25 FDNY team members will receive a complimentary course offered by the College of Public Service.

The awards program was established in celebration of Kaplan University's new College of Public Service. To learn more about Kaplan University's College of Public Service and/or the Empowerment Awards for Public Service Teams, visit Kaplan University's Center for Public Service website.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (www.ncahlc.org) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Kaplan University serves approximately 49,000 online and campus-based students. The University has 11 campuses in Iowa, Nebraska, Maryland and Maine, and Kaplan University Learning Center in Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri and Florida.

Kaplan University is one of Kaplan, Inc.'s higher education institutions, which serve approximately 73,000 students online and through approximately 70 campus-based schools across the United States. Kaplan's higher education schools offer a spectrum of academic opportunities, from certificates and diplomas to graduate and professional degrees, including a juris doctor degree. Kaplan, Inc. is a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. It is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (News - Alert) (NYSE: WPO), and its largest division. For more information, visit Kaplan University today.