Husband and Wife Graduate from Kaplan College to Create a Better Life for Their Son; Kaplan Higher Education Campuses Graduates More Than 3,400 in the Second Quarter

    CHICAGO, IL, July 01, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tony and Emilie Jansen were both working hard to support their two-year-old son, but they were tired of toiling away at unfulfilling jobs. Like many of the students who graduate from Kaplan Higher Education Campuses, they wanted careers that would lead to a more comfortable life for their family.

As a reservist in the United States Coast Guard, Tony gained experience in air conditioning and refrigeration as a machinery technician, so when he read an article about the growing demand for HVAC professionals, he decided to look into area schools.

In his research he came across the 12-month Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) diploma program at Kaplan College Dayton. His wife, Emilie, told him she had heard only good things about the school, and after being impressed by the professionalism during his campus visit, he enrolled in May 2012.

"I knew the basics of HVAC, but once I enrolled in Kaplan College, I was able to learn from instructors who had more than 30 years of experience in the field," said Tony.

Emilie was working a seasonal job when he began his program at Kaplan, but she expressed interest in going back to school when the job was done. She always wanted to work in a field where she could help people and was drawn to the nine-month medical assistant diploma program.

She enrolled in July 2012 and the husband and wife duo began a journey together to complete their programs and obtain more stable careers that would mean a better life for their son.

"My son kept me motivated throughout the entire program while I juggled school and a full-time job," said Emilie, who was hired by the OB/GYN office where she completed her externship and now enjoys her new 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

Tony is proud of what they accomplished together and said his income has doubled since starting his new career as a maintenance technician, putting the family in a more comfortable financial situation.

"I don't have to worry about if I am going to pay the electricity bill or buy diapers," he said. "We have set a great example for our son who will now see the benefits of hard work."

Tony and Emilie aren't the only ones who are proud to see their hard work pay off. More than 3,400 KHEC students graduated in the second quarter of 2013 with a degree or diploma that has set them on the path for career success. Throughout their program, students receive hands-on training from industry professionals dedicated to providing an education that prepares them to enter the workforce.

"Like so many of our students, the Jansens wanted to gain skills that would turn their dreams for success into reality and improve their family's future," John Lock, president and CEO, Kaplan Higher Education Campuses, said. "Their story is a testament to the value of education and one of many from our hardworking alumni who have graduated and become professionals in their chosen fields."

Kaplan Higher Education Campuses' educational institutions are accredited by one of several national accreditors recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

About Kaplan Higher Education Campuses
Kaplan Higher Education Campuses provides career-focused education to more than 18,500 students and helps prepare them to enter the workforce in some of the fastest-growing industries. Its nearly 50 locations in 13 states offer certificates, diplomas and degrees in allied health, business, criminal justice, information technology, legal, nursing and other in-demand fields. KHEC includes Kaplan College, Kaplan Career Institute, Bauder College, TESST College of Technology and Texas School of Business campuses and is owned by Kaplan, Inc. Kaplan, Inc., a leading international provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses, is a subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO) and its largest division. For more information, visit www.kaplan.edu.

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