Des Moines Resident Awarded Full-tuition Scholarship from Boys & Girls Clubs of America and

Academic success is a key priority for Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), and with partners like University of Phoenix®, youth are receiving education opportunities to help them graduate from high school and prepare for college. However, many adults still require additional education opportunities to pursue their career goals, and Boys & Girls Club staff, parents and alumni like Neisa Taylor are getting that chance.

Taylor is one of 30 recipients nationwide to receive a full-tuition scholarship from BGCA and University of Phoenix to complete an undergraduate or master’s degree. More than 250 Boys & Girls Club staff, parents and alumni applied for the scholarship opportunity. These recipients now join the 20 other recipients who received the full-tuition scholarship last year.

“The lifelong success of our members is the top priority at BGCA and we are pleased to once again have this wonderful opportunity for the alumni, parents and staff who devote so much time and effort to helping our young people with their educational goals,” said Kimberly Boyd, vice president for BGCA’s Program & Youth Development Services. “Thanks to University of Phoenix, we are able to reward these individuals with the chance to pursue their career goals and continue to be strong, educational role models for our youth.”

Taylor is a youth development professional at the Ellis I. Levitt Boys & Girls Club in Des Moines and has spent several years working with local youth. Her passion for working with children has inspired Taylor to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in education. Upon completion, she plans to seek further specialized education credentials to teach art therapy to children with behavioral and learning disabilities.

“I am honored to have been selected for this scholarship,” said Taylor. “This is an incredible opportunity, and I am extremely thankful to University of Phoenix and the Boys & Girls Club. I look forward to returning to school to pursue my passion and serve as inspiration to students at the Club, and one day, to students in my own classroom.”

University of Phoenix is committed to increasing access to education, especially for underrepresented and low-income students who may be underserved by traditional education structures. This effort provides a pathway for economic advancement for those who otherwise may not have one.

“We are proud to award Neisa and all the recipients with full-tuition scholarships to University of Phoenix because each demonstrates the drive to be good citizens in their communities,” said Dr. Bill Pepicello, president of University of Phoenix. “Their dedication to the Boys & Girls Club means they believe, like we do, in providing opportunities to access the education and knowledge learners at all levels need to be successful.”

“University of Phoenix is dedicated to providing educational tools and opportunities for the greater Des Moines community,” said Christine Williams, University of Phoenix Iowa Campus director. “We are proud to provide Neisa with the ability to pursue her degree and take that knowledge back into our community through her work with the Boys & Girls Club.” 

In addition to the scholarship program with University of Phoenix, BGCA partners with University of Phoenix Foundation to provide BE GREAT: Graduate, a program aimed to combat high school dropout among youth most vulnerable for dropping out of school. The three-year partnership focuses on helping young people at 10 Boys & Girls Clubs around the nation develop the academic, behavioral and social skills needed to be successful.