COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Colorado Technical University (CTU), a leading provider of education for career-motivated students, announced today that 20-year-old Kyle Thomas of Alexandria, Tenn., has received a full tuition-paid, four-year grant to help him pursue his dream of earning a college degree. The grant was announced nationwide today on “The Ricki Lake Show” as part of its “Hidden Heroes” series led by cosmetic dentist and TV personality Dr. Bill Dorfman.
In 2010, as a recent high school graduate, Thomas was nearly killed in an auto accident in his hometown of Alexandria. His resulting injuries left him without use of his arms and legs, but it was Thomas’ can-do attitude during his recovery that got the attention of Dr. Dorfman. “When I first met Kyle he told me that he wants to help people. I believe he will,” said Dr. Dorfman, who brought together community residents – or “hidden heroes” – to help Thomas and his family.
The community support led by writer and producer John Loyd Miller has included renovations to make the Thomas’ home accessible – and now includes the CTU grant. “When we heard about Kyle’s journey and the tremendous efforts he has made to rebuild his life, we felt we could support him by assisting him with his college education,” said Jack Koehn, CTU acting president and chief operating officer.
Thomas plans to use the CTU grant to earn his bachelor’s degree through Colorado Technical University’s award-winning virtual campus, which offers flexibility in taking classes online, from anywhere and anytime. He began attending classes online in January 2013.
“Our team of advisors and faculty members are committed to helping Kyle achieve his dream of higher education and surrounding him with the support he needs to help him be successful in the degree program of his choosing,” Koehn said. “As a Colorado Technical University online student, Kyle will also be able to use our trademarked personalized learning system, called My Unique Student Experience (M.U.S.E.), which will allow him to study and learn in ways that work best for him.”
“I am so grateful to Dr. Dorfman and to CTU for their support and giving me hope to continue my education and help others,” said Thomas, who now has limited use of his arms and serves as a motivational speaker for other young adults. “I won’t ever give up. I’m going to take on the challenge of earning my college degree just as I took on the challenge of recovering from my accident.”
For more information on CTU and its programs, visit www.coloradotech.edu. To learn more about grants and scholarships available at CTU, visit http://www.coloradotech.edu/Tuition-And-Financial-Aid/Online/Financing-Options-For-Your-Education/Grants-And-Scholarships.
About Colorado Technical University
Founded in 1965, Colorado Technical University (CTU) provides higher education for today’s career-focused students and offers support, flexibility and resources to help students pursue new opportunities. CTU’s industry-focused curriculum has courses taught by instructors, many with experience in the fields that they teach. CTU was named to the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 list of military-friendly schools by G.I. Jobs Magazine, which includes the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools which are doing the most to embrace America’s veterans as students. At CTU, students can collaborate with people from all over the country via the CTU award-winning Virtual Campus, which was recognized as the “Best of the Best” in the Education and Academia category of the 2009 Computerworld Honors program. Students can also connect on campuses in multiple cities. CTU students can choose from more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. For more information, please visit www.coloradotech.edu.
CTU is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org. CTU is also a member of the Career Education Corporation (NASDAQ:CECO) network of universities, colleges and schools. For more information visit www.careered.com. CTU cannot guarantee employment or salary. Find disclosures on graduation rates, student financial obligations and more at www.coloradotech.edu/disclosures.