SCRANTON, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Penn Foster, Inc., a global leader in online education with over 150,000 students, today announces a solution for institutions interested in matriculating students who do not yet have a high school diploma and are interested in post-secondary education. With the dissolution of the Ability-to-Benefit program, thousands of students are not able to pursue higher education and Penn Foster High School is providing the opportunity for these students to obtain their diploma and succeed.

We want students and our school partners to know that, although Ability-to-Benefit is no longer available, Penn Foster provides an answer to achieving higher education, said Peter Ockerbloom, Penn Foster senior vice president of global client management. One school told us they turn away an average of 10 students a week; these are students that could benefit from the Penn Foster High School program if integrated with their institution.

Penn Foster is committed to providing access to education for those students who need it most. A diploma from Penn Foster High School can be earned in as little as three months, depending on how many credits the incoming student has from any previous schooling. The courses are self-paced and online so students can study on their own time and work at their own pace. Penn Foster High School is regionally accredited which is the most respected form of accreditation that a school can earn. It is the same type of accreditation granted to some of America's most prestigious schools, and Penn Foster High School is one of a small group of online schools to achieve this same recognition.

In addition, Penn Foster has more than 40 years of experience working with institutional partners. Partnering schools can elect to co-brand Penn Foster's learning management system and allow students to work in a lab setting at their school and electives can be customized to better prepare students for the career training they will complete in the future.

About Penn Foster

Penn Foster is a global leader in online education, providing high school diplomas, career-focused degree and vocational programs in the fields of allied health, business, technology, education, and select trades. Penn Foster has a rich history in distance learning, tracing back to their roots as the International Correspondence School in 1890. The institution today, comprised of Penn Foster High School, the largest high school in the United States; Penn Foster College and Penn Foster Career School, graduates 25,000 annually, and has always been dedicated to educating and training America's working population.

More:
Penn Foster High School Helps Students without a High School Diploma Succeed

67 WALL STREET, New York - August 29, 2012 - The Wall Street Transcript has just published its Education Report offering a timely review of the sector to serious investors and industry executives. This special feature contains expert industry commentary through in-depth interviews with public company CEOs, Equity Analysts and Money Managers. The full issue is available by calling (212) 952-7433 or via The Wall Street Transcript Online.

Topics covered: Enrollment and Retention Trends - Regulatory Risks - Chinese Education Growth Catalysts - For-Profit Institutions - Online Content Distribution

Companies include: Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE) and many others.

In the following excerpt from the Education Report, the CEO of Grand Canyon Education discusses the outlook for his company for investors.

TWST: If you would, please start by introducing our readers to Grand Canyon with a brief history and an overview of the company today.

Mr. Mueller: Grand Canyon University started in Prescott, Ariz., in 1949, stayed there for two years before moving to Phoenix in 1951. We're still on the property that was purchased in 1951 to build the university. It was started by a group of Southern Baptists who wanted to create a private, Christian, nondenominational university in Phoenix. There was a close connection with the Baptist Church for many years, although there were Christians of all denominations that attended Grand Canyon through the years, and it was known as a very strong, private, traditional, Christian liberal arts university. About 1,500 students were on campus typically.

They had really strong programs in teacher education and health care, particularly in nursing. The university eventually developed a business program, a full array of liberal arts programs, majors in sociology and psychology and history, and a fine arts department with a focus on theater and musical performance. GCU also had a pretty strong athletic program that competed at the NAIA level. About 10 years ago, Grand Canyon fell into very serious financial difficulties. In fact, we were $20 million in the red at the end of 2003 and were ready to close the university. Brothers Brent and Chris Richardson stepped in and were willing to take control of the university and also assume that $20 million in debt.

That transaction took place, and they assumed control of the university, but didn't have the total $20 million. Their first choice was to stay as a not-for-profit university and go out and raise the money in terms of donations. But unfortunately Grand Canyon's graduates were teachers and nurses, and - God bless them, they provide great service to society, but - there weren't millions of dollars to get the university out of its financial trouble. So they decided to change the university's status to a for-profit status and to build a business plan that invites investment. The business plan was to mimic the University of Phoenix's online program. They hoped it would extend GCU's mission by offering programs delivered online to working adult students and perhaps make the university profitable. The Richardson brothers developed that online program from 2004 to 2008. They had about 15,000 online students. Most of those students were 32 to 34 years old. That did help the university become profitable and got rid of the debt.

At that point, the decision was made to get another infusion of funds by going public. I was at University of Phoenix at that point as President of Apollo Group, and they asked if I was interested in coming over to GCU. When I looked at this opportunity, I was very interested because there's really no other private, traditional, Christian university in Arizona, which is very unusual. There are 70 such universities in California, and other states like Michigan and Indiana and Ohio have 20 or more. Arizona was really an anomaly in that sense, and I saw a chance to create something very unique here.

So I came over in 2008, and we took the company public in November 2008. We received an infusion of $250 million of funds and started to build out the university.

Read the original:
Fast Growth Education Business Model Combines Online and Traditional Campus: Making a Private University Affordable ...

67 WALL STREET, New York - August 29, 2012 - The Wall Street Transcript has just published its Education Report offering a timely review of the sector to serious investors and industry executives. This special feature contains expert industry commentary through in-depth interviews with public company CEOs, Equity Analysts and Money Managers. The full issue is available by calling (212) 952-7433 or via The Wall Street Transcript Online.

Topics covered: Enrollment and Retention Trends - Regulatory Risks - Chinese Education Growth Catalysts - For-Profit Institutions - Online Content Distribution

Companies include: Grand Canyon Education, Inc. (LOPE) and many others.

In the following excerpt from the Education Report, the CEO of Grand Canyon Education discusses the outlook for his company for investors.

TWST: If you would, please start by introducing our readers to Grand Canyon with a brief history and an overview of the company today.

Mr. Mueller: Grand Canyon University started in Prescott, Ariz., in 1949, stayed there for two years before moving to Phoenix in 1951. We're still on the property that was purchased in 1951 to build the university. It was started by a group of Southern Baptists who wanted to create a private, Christian, nondenominational university in Phoenix. There was a close connection with the Baptist Church for many years, although there were Christians of all denominations that attended Grand Canyon through the years, and it was known as a very strong, private, traditional, Christian liberal arts university. About 1,500 students were on campus typically.

They had really strong programs in teacher education and health care, particularly in nursing. The university eventually developed a business program, a full array of liberal arts programs, majors in sociology and psychology and history, and a fine arts department with a focus on theater and musical performance. GCU also had a pretty strong athletic program that competed at the NAIA level. About 10 years ago, Grand Canyon fell into very serious financial difficulties. In fact, we were $20 million in the red at the end of 2003 and were ready to close the university. Brothers Brent and Chris Richardson stepped in and were willing to take control of the university and also assume that $20 million in debt.

That transaction took place, and they assumed control of the university, but didn't have the total $20 million. Their first choice was to stay as a not-for-profit university and go out and raise the money in terms of donations. But unfortunately Grand Canyon's graduates were teachers and nurses, and - God bless them, they provide great service to society, but - there weren't millions of dollars to get the university out of its financial trouble. So they decided to change the university's status to a for-profit status and to build a business plan that invites investment. The business plan was to mimic the University of Phoenix's online program. They hoped it would extend GCU's mission by offering programs delivered online to working adult students and perhaps make the university profitable. The Richardson brothers developed that online program from 2004 to 2008. They had about 15,000 online students. Most of those students were 32 to 34 years old. That did help the university become profitable and got rid of the debt.

At that point, the decision was made to get another infusion of funds by going public. I was at University of Phoenix at that point as President of Apollo Group, and they asked if I was interested in coming over to GCU. When I looked at this opportunity, I was very interested because there's really no other private, traditional, Christian university in Arizona, which is very unusual. There are 70 such universities in California, and other states like Michigan and Indiana and Ohio have 20 or more. Arizona was really an anomaly in that sense, and I saw a chance to create something very unique here.

So I came over in 2008, and we took the company public in November 2008. We received an infusion of $250 million of funds and started to build out the university.

Read more from the original source:
Fast Growth Education Company Lowers University Tuitions with No State Tax Subsidies: Business Model Combines Online ...

By Erin Haggerty August 29, 2012

On Labor Day weekend, yoga studios across the Island will host the third annual Martha's Vineyard Yoga Festival. Studios will open their doors to visiting teachers from around the country, giving local yoga practitioners a chance to experience something and someone new.

The Chilmark Community Center is where much of the festival's action will take place. To make the center a little more yoga-like, co-producer Mollie Doyle and festival founder Kathy Bega enlisted local architect, Peter Breese to revamp the space.

"We reworked the vibe of a very dreary entry space," said Mr. Breese. "We made it more comfortable, finished and welcoming we activated it."

The custom-designed Community Center will not only host classes but will feature a pop-up yoga clothes shop and health food caf. Chris Fischer of Beetlebung Farm is in charge of everything edible at the festival, including Friday night's vegan feast to be served at the Beetlebung Greenhouse. During the day, there will be smoothies, salads, Chilmark coffee, and snacks from Not Your Sugar Mama's available at the Community Center.

The festival kicks off on Thursday when FLY Yoga presents Saul David Raye at the Chilmark Community Center from 9 am to noon and 1pm to 4 pm.

Claire Parkhurst, owner of Tapas Hot Yoga in Vineyard Haven, said she was thrilled to collaborate with Ms. Bega and Ms. Doyle. "They've worked so hard to bring such great teachers, and they really wanted to involve the already-existing yoga community," she said.

Michelle Boullion a yoga teacher, Lululemon Ambassador, and owner of Wild Tiger Yoga in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will teach two classes at Tapas Hot Yoga. Ms. Boullion, a participant in the past two festival's, is looking forward to escaping the Louisiana heat and returning to the more forgiving late summer in New England. She will teach a "power hot" class in Ms. Parkhurst's heated studio.

Ms. Boullion stresses the importance of a balanced workout. "Strength plus flexibility equals functionality," she said. "I don't just want my students to be able to do a headstand; you should be able to carry your kids around, walk to work, etc." Before class, Ms. Boullion will discuss the method and benefits of self-massage and myofascial release using foam rollers and tennis balls to release tension and relieve pain. Ms. Boullion will teach at the Chilmark Community Center on Friday, August 31, at 8 am, and at Tapas Hot Yoga on Saturday and Sunday at 10 am.

Lindel Hart, owner of Hart Yoga in Shelburne Falls, is also a veteran of past festivals. He said he is excited about returning to the Island and called the last two festivals "phenomenal experiences."

Original post:
Annual Martha's Vineyard yoga festival is a feast of activities

September is the time for fresh starts the end of vacation for many and the start of a new season for all so it's no surprise that it also marks National Yoga Month.

As the sun sets on summer, put your focus on achieving wellness, peace and bliss with a series of yoga-centric events in New Jersey and New York. Want to learn more? Visit yogahealthfoundation.org.

Elyse Toribio

Evolve Fest

The four-day outdoor celebration includes sessions with expert yoga instructors, energizing dance parties and, thanks to a long list of vendors, a wide offering of organic foods. A healing sanctuary and ascension temple will also be on site for those seeking inner peace during the festivities.

WHEN: Friday to Monday.

WHERE: 1350 Stryker Road, Phillipsburg.

HOW MUCH: Limited camping and day passes available, starting from $80. Admission free for children under 12, adults over 65 and those with special needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: 973-896-9312 or evolvefest.com.

Yoga in the City

Continued here:
Yoga and music events during National Yoga Month

Hundreds of people toting their rolled-up mats gather in McKinley Park on Saturdays for yoga sessions. Storefront studios brag that they offer "hot" yoga. There even are "mommy and me" yoga classes out there.

Seems everyone's into yoga.

According to a "Yoga in America" market study released by Yoga Journal in 2008, Americans spend $5.7 billion a year on yoga classes and products (equipment, clothing, DVDs, books, etc.). That's an 87 percent increase from 2004.

This Labor Day, yoga studios around Sacramento and in cities around the country will offer free yoga classes as part of a loosely organized event called Free Day of Yoga.

It started in Austin, Texas, in 1999 as a way to raise awareness of yoga. It's since spread to cities including Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston and Philadelphia. It's celebrated in Guam.

And this year, Sacramento.

Before you start posing like a crane or a cat or a dog or a plank, though, it's important to find the type of yoga that's right for you. Different styles have different benefits and degrees of difficulty, and finding the right fit can be the difference between enjoying yoga and hating it.

Here's a quick breakdown of some of the most popular styles of yoga:

Hatha yoga does not refer to a specific style of yoga, but rather is a general term that encompasses all forms of physical yoga. Other forms of yoga are derivatives of Hatha yoga. This particular style of yoga focuses mostly on the individual poses rather than on the flow between poses. "Hatha" literally means "forceful," and nowadays, most yoga studios use the term to refer to their most basic yoga classes that focus on teaching the main poses, making this the perfect option for beginners.

Vinyasa is another general description for many different types of yoga. This style tends to be slightly faster-paced than Hatha yoga, and it focuses on synchronizing movements and breathing techniques.

Read more:
Sacramento yoga studios offer free classes for Labor Day

Yoga mama!

While Drew Barrymore waits for her baby to arrive, the actress is keeping busy by focusing on fitness.

PHOTOS: Drew's love life

The 37-year-old actress was spotted leaving a yoga class in Los Angeles on Monday wearing sweats and carrying a yoga mat. Barrymore's growing baby bump was on full display as she made her way to her car with her hair in a bun and blocking the sun with cute heart-shaped sunglasses.

Drew Barrymore leaves her pre-natal yoga class in Los Angeles, CA on August 27, 2012, Credit: Aik/Brooks/INFphoto.com

Barrymore married art consultant Will Kopelman, 35, on June 2 at the actress' Montecito, Calif. estate. The baby-to-be will be the newlyweds' first child.

PHOTOS: Drew's wild style

Cameron Diaz threw her Charlie's Angels costar and best friend a baby shower at her home on Aug. 4 in Los Angeles. "Kids were jumping in a bouncy castle," a source told Us Weekly of the party.

PHOTOS: Hollywoo'd baby boom

The Big Miracle star admitted to Jay Leno on The Tonight Show in February that she hopes to have multiple children with Kopelman. "We'll start with one," she said. "See how it goes and if we could be so blessed . . . that would be wonderful."

More here:
Pregnant Drew Barrymore Flaunts Baby Bump, Does Yoga as Due Date Nears

AURORA Aurora Farmers Market: Vendors sell produce, flowers, baked goods, gourmet wines and cheeses, lawn ornaments, arts and crafts, cooking and kitchen items. Entertainment, food demonstrations, and blood pressure checks featured. Weekly 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun, through Oct. 15. 14936 Third St. N.E., Aurora; free admission; http://www.movementandhealingarts@gmail.com, Jimmy Essien, 503-307-7043

WILSONVILLE

Nia: Increase your strength, flexibility and agility in the class that fuses dance, martial arts and yoga. Weekly 10-11 a.m. Mon. St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 8818 S.W. Miley Road, Wilsonville; $8 drop-in per class, $24 four-class punch card; http://www.stfranciswilsonville.org

Stretch, Strength and Stamina: A personal trainer leads the upbeat class for people with arthritis of osteoporosis. Activities can be performed standing up or sitting in a chair; includes strength training with weights and exercise bands and more. Weekly 11-11:45 a.m. Mon and Fri. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; $1 per class; http://www.ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727

Drop-in Spanish Practice: Adults can have fun and gain confidence conversing in Spanish through crossword puzzles, and conjugation and conversation exercises. Weekly 10-11 a.m. Mon. Wilsonville Community Center, 7965 S.W. Wilsonville Road, Wilsonville; free; http://www.ci.wilsonville.or.us or 503-682-3727

Go here to read the rest:
Things to do in Wilsonville, Aurora and St. Paul

By Brittney KnoxPublished 3:45pm Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Jackie Chauvin hopes a 10-week yoga class she will teach at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital will help people find some time to devote to themselves.

How often do we really take time without cell phones and without interruptions to devote time to ourselves? Chauvin said.

While yoga has origins in ancient India and often can incorporate religious practices, students should not expect those in this one-hour course. Instead, the class will focus on yoga stretches as a way to relieve stress.

Beginner and intermediate classes will be offered at The Wellness Center starting Sept. 4.

Beginner classes are held Mondays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Intermediate classes meet on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The class size is limited to 30 people so those interested should call the Wellness Center at 334-287-2613 to register.

There are modifications that can be taught for those who have physical issues. Also, the course does not build every week on instruction, so students can join at anytime during the 10 weeks.

Chauvin said the classes are for all ages and urges everyone to participate one year she had a 96-year-old student take the course.

Science has proven that yoga aids with stress, blood pressure and heart rate, she said. It also elevates happy chemicals in the brain, producing an after effect known as the yoga bliss.

Continued here:
Yoga to be taught at hospital

It is more common for people to develop sinusitis during the fall and winter months when weather is cold. Since antibiotics can not help those suffering with a sinus infection caused by a virus, practicing yoga as an alternative to help relieve the symptoms is a practical solution. If you have sinusitis caused by bacteria, antibiotics will be needed, but yoga can still be used to complement the medication.

What is sinusitis?

Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, is the term used when the tissue lining of the sinuses become swollen. Air usually fills normal, healthy sinuses. However, when fluid gets into the sinuses germs can evolve and create an infection.

A sinus infection can be caused by the common cold, inflammation in the lining of the nose due to allergies and by polyps in the lining of the nose.

Symptoms of sinusitis

Symptoms of a sinus infection may include the following:

Top five yoga poses for those with a sinus infection

#1 Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend)

If you are only going to perform one yoga pose, the seated forward bend makes the top of my list. One reason is because it is simple to do and should not cause additional stress to your body. Additionally, traditional texts tell us that this asana is a cure for sicknesses. The seated forward bend is great for those with sinusitis and insomnia, and it is a very peaceful pose.

In addition to being helpful to those with sinusitis, bridge pose is beneficial to asthmatics. It is also a good asana to perform if you have osteoporosis or high blood pressure. If you suffer from a headache due to a sinus infection, this asana will also help with your pain.

See the rest here:
Top Five Yoga Poses for Sinusitis