Share your idea. Change the world.
CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. & PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2011--
American Public University System (APUS) and the University of
Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (PennGSE) proudly announce the
2012 American Public University System Prize for Innovation in Online
Education. The newly-established APUS prize, which awards $25,000 to the
individual or group business plan that best enhances distance learning
in higher education, is part of the third annual 2012 Milken-PennGSE
Education Business Plan Competition.
The intent of the prize, sponsored by APUS and the Networking Education
Entrepreneurs for Social Transformation (NEST), is to create new thought
and structure within institutions and to support the growing demand for
eLearning in higher education. All prospective entrants are encouraged
to submit their concepts for consideration online at www.nestcentral.org.
Submissions, due by the close of business on December 12, 2011, will
undergo a rigorous assessment and selection process culminating with the
live competition and announcement of the winning business plans in
Philadelphia on June 19, 2012.
“Our collective goal is to catalyze innovations in learning propelled by
educational entrepreneurs,” said PennGSE Vice Dean Doug Lynch. “We hope,
if you have an idea to change the world, that you will enter the
competition.”
“APUS and PennGSE share a keen commitment to academic quality and to
advancing learning outcomes,” said APUS President & CEO Wallace E.
Boston. “We’re proud to collaborate with them on this important
initiative to help accomplish those dual goals.” Dr. Boston, a 2010
graduate of PennGSE, served as a judge for the 2011 competition.
About the Milken-PennGSE Education Business Plan Competition
Launched in 2010 as a partnership between PennGSE and the Milken Family
Foundation, the competition will award more than $110,000 in total
funding in 2012, through the following five prizes:
-
The Milken Family Foundation First Prize ($25,000) and Second Prize
($15,000).
-
The American Public University System Prize for Innovation in Online
Education ($25,000).
-
The Startl Prize for Open Educational Resources ($25,000).
-
The Educational Services of America Prize for Innovation in the fields
of Special Education and At-Risk Students ($20,000).
About Contest Rules and Timeline
Entrants are required to submit an executive summary of their business
plan online by the close of business on December 12, 2011. The summary
can address a wide range of educational issues and submissions are
welcome from both for-profit and nonprofit institutions. Applicants
should submit content that first defines a problem and the opportunity
it presents; the idea or solution; and how the idea or solution will be
implemented.
Entrants can be individuals or groups and all submissions are
automatically considered for the Milken Family Foundation First and
Second Prizes. Contestants may also select to apply for the American
Public University System Prize for Innovation in Online Learning, the
Startl Prize for Open Educational Resources, or the Educational Services
of America Prize for Innovation in the fields of Special Education and
At-Risk Students. Each prize is awarded based on a unique area of focus
in education. The competition process spans the following stages:
-
Executive summaries are due by December 12, 2011.
-
Semi-finalists are announced by February 3, 2012.
-
Full business plans are due by March 16, 2012.
-
Finalists are announced by May 4, 2012.
-
The live competition takes place in Philadelphia on June 19, 2012.
For official details about eligibility, application guidelines, and
more, go to www.nestcentral.org.
About American Public University System
American
Public University System, winner of the Sloan Consortium’s 2009
Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and two-time
recipient of Sloan’s Effective Practices Award, offers 87 online degree
programs through American
Public University and American
Military University. APUS’s relevant curriculum, affordability and
flexibility help more than 100,000 working adults worldwide pursue
degrees in a diverse variety of subjects. For further information about
American Public University System, please visit www.apus.edu.
Source: American Public University System
American Public University System
Brian Muys, 703-334-3225
bmuys@apus.edu
or
University
of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Brad Beshara,
215-573-6455
bbeshara@gse.upenn.edu