US Speedskating Athletes Follow the Fast Track to Learning with Ashworth College

US Speedskating Announces Partnership With Innovative Leader in Online Education

KEARNS, Utah, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Balancing a challenging training and international competition schedule with their studies has just gotten easier for US Speedskating's athletes. Today, US Speedskating is honored to announce a new partnership with Ashworth College, which will provide free tuition for the federation's elite-level athletes including continuing education, high school, college degrees, and course certifications.

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A leader in distance learning for over 25 years, Ashworth College is a nationally accredited online school offering over 115 degree programs. Ashworth's curriculum is delivered entirely online, allowing for flexibility in study, a convenience especially appreciated by world-class athletes.

"The opportunity to access a distance learning program through Ashworth College, either as an inroad to a particular interest and subsequent transfer to a bricks and mortar institution, or to pursue a complete degree in a particular field is an amazing new addition to what we offer our high performance athletes," said US Speedskating Executive Director and two-time Olympian Mark Greenwald.  "Having spent many years in a variety of academic institutions across North America myself, I fully appreciate what a potential benefit this relationship will be for those who choose to take advantage of it."

Several of US Speedskating's national team athletes have already enrolled with Ashworth.

"My skating career is extremely important to me and so is my education.  The opportunity to pursue my degree through Ashworth means I don't have to choose between the two," said Emily Scott, 2011 Short Track Relay World Cup Gold Medalist.  "With our rigorous practice and competition schedule, Ashworth gives me the flexibility to take classes and study at my own pace that would not be possible with a traditional university."

"We are proud to be affiliated with world class athletes that possess the desire to achieve their goals both on and off the ice. Through education, Ashworth College is excited to help these athletes and others around the world achieve their personal best every day," said Ashworth College President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Keisling. "Ashworth has committed to providing students the world over an affordable, accredited online education with the flexibility to fit into a student's life and ability to help them reach their goals fast.  We're equally dedicated to providing a fun and enjoyable education experience for each student who enrolls in an Ashworth program."

As an extension of their partnership, Ashworth College will be offering a class discount to all US Speedskating members and SpeedskaterNation.

With an impressive 68 World Cup medals and four World Championship titles won during the 2010-2011 season, the US Speedskating athletes look forward to the start of the new season beginning October 1-2, 2011, with the Short Track American Cup I in St. Louis, MO.

About Ashworth College
As an online school leader, Ashworth College has built a tradition of excellence spanning 25 years, offering students worldwide more than 115 online college degrees, online certificate programs and online high school diploma options that are affordable and fit the busy schedules of working adults. Ashworth offers military education as well as specialized programs for corporate partners and homeschoolers.

Headquartered in Norcross, GA, Ashworth is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The Accrediting Commission of the DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Ashworth's high school division, James Madison High School, is further accredited regionally by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). SACS CASI is an accreditation division of AdvancED. For more information, visit http://www.ashworthcollege.edu.

About US Speedskating
US Speedskating is a non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union as the governing body for the sport of speedskating in the United States. Its mission is to be one of the premier speedskating organizations in the world through excellence in leadership, development and performance. To date, US Speedskating has won 85 Olympic medals, making it the most successful winter sport in the U.S. In addition to its elite programs, US Speedskating is responsible for the grassroots development of speedskating. Please visit US Speedskating on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute athlete news and competition results.  US Speedskating Partners include BMW, USANA Health Sciences and StruckAxiom, a creative agency.

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Gary M Keisling
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SOURCE Ashworth College

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