For Immediate Release
February 4, 2015

Massachusetts Community College Students Invited to Apply for New UK College Scholarship

Two Business Students Will Study Abroad, Earn Free Bachelor's Degrees

Boston, MA -- February 4, 2015 -- Massachusetts community college students hoping to launch careers in business and entrepreneurship will have a unique opportunity to study abroad and earn their bachelor's degrees for free through a new scholarship program launched by Shorelight Education in partnership with Bath Spa University and the Commonwealth, the Department of Higher Education announced today.

Shorelight, a Massachusetts-based company that partners with leading nonprofit universities to increase access for international students, has established the Shorelight Global Scholarship Program to  give two Massachusetts students a full two-year scholarship worth an estimated $85,000 USD including tuition, housing and airfare. Students will attend the undergraduate School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Bath Spa University in Bath, England, and are expected to complete the coursework required to earn a bachelor's degree.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity for highly motivated students to earn a four-year degree while also having an opportunity to study abroad," said Higher Education Commissioner Richard Freeland. "I commend Shorelight Education and Bath Spa University for creating the scholarship program and for recognizing the talents and creative potential of our community college students."

The primary goal of the scholarship program is to help aspiring community college students turn their business ideas into reality through the combination of a rigorous academic curriculum with real-world resources available in the Bath-Bristol region—a major innovation hub and the UK's second largest community of tech startups. Students enrolled at Bath Spa University’s School of Business and Entrepreneurship will have the opportunity to explore their ideas while learning the fundamentals of business operations and management in an international setting. The program aims to help them launch and manage ventures that can succeed in today's global economy.

“Shorelight Education is committed to building bridges between our students in the United States and their peers abroad, and the Shorelight Global Scholarship Program is one way to do that,” said Shorelight CEO Tom Dretler. “We look forward to helping two hard-working Massachusetts students access an amazing opportunity to get a global perspective and a world-class business education.”

The scholarship is tailored for students who are interested in starting new businesses, offering a new product or service, creating an innovation or commercializing an invention. Students wishing to apply for the scholarship should submit an application prior to the deadline on April 1, 2015. Full details on eligibility and how to apply can be found at the Department of Higher Education's web site, http://www.mass.edu/osfa/programs/shorelight.asp.

The program will begin at Bath Spa University in the fall 2015 semester.

About Shorelight Education
Shorelight Education is a U.S.-based education company that funds and manages joint venture partnerships with universities to drive institutional growth, create new revenue streams, and expand options for students.  Shorelight brings the capital of a private equity firm, the global reach and assets of a multinational corporation, the know-how of seasoned higher education operators, and the values of a mission-driven institution to its partnerships. For more information visit www.shorelight.com.

About Bath Spa University
Bath Spa University offers pre-degree study, undergraduate degrees and postgraduate degrees, focusing primarily on arts and humanities subjects, supported by a strong outcomes-based provision. Whatever path students wish to follow – research, enterprise and teaching – Bath Spa University provides the full range to ensure students can tailor their learning to support their future career direction. Their offer is unique and compelling, providing students with a university experience that is distinctive, challenging and fulfilling, allowing them to embark on their future careers with confidence and success.  For more information visit www.bathspa.ac.uk.

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