Kaplan University and The International Foundation of Protection Officers (IFPO) Partner to Expand Access to Higher Education and Training for Private Security Professionals

University is named first higher education partner of the IFPO

Kaplan University and the International Foundation of Protection Officers (IFPO) today announced a partnership that is designed to expand access to professional training and higher education for professional private security officers. The announcement was made at the ASIS International Seminar and Exhibits Conference in Dallas, Texas.

"While there are more than 2.2 million people employed in the security field, there are still not enough professionals to fill the increased demand for services," said Sandi J. Davies, IFPO Executive Director. IFPO has trained more than 80,000 individuals who have graduated with IFPO certifications.

Through the partnership agreement, the Certified Protection Officer program (CPO) and Certified in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM) certifications offered through IFPO will translate into direct course credit that can be applied toward an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Kaplan University. IFPO members will also be eligible for reduced tuition rates on courses at Kaplan University. Furthermore, Kaplan University students will be able to take the certification courses at a discounted rate.

"A partnership between IFPO and Kaplan University is an industry game-changer for the entire security industry. Education is now a critical element to the success of security officers at every level. IFPO certifications, combined with a higher education degree, work well together and provide an exponential return on investment for both the client and the community," added Tom M. Conley, President and CEO of The Conley Group, Inc., a Des Moines, Iowa professional security services provider, and Immediate Past International Board Chair of IFPO.

Kaplan University courses are all available online providing the convenience and flexibility security officers, who typically work non-traditional hours, need in order to continue working while earning their degree.

Bryon Mills, Director of Public Sector Solutions at Kaplan who was present for the announcement, said, "A win-win partnership like this one with IFPO is what Kaplan University is best at. Providing a high-quality, affordable education for busy working professionals who need or want to earn their college credential and advance in their careers is core to our mission."

About The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)

The IFPO is dedicated to providing meaningful and cost-effective security training for security guards and protection officers. It believes that education is a necessary and essential part of professional security training and the security officer's background. IFPO serves individuals, security companies, and organizations that have their own private security staff. More information about IFPO can be found at IFPO.org.

About Kaplan University

Kaplan University offers a different school of thought for higher education. It strives to help adult students unlock their talent by providing a practical, student-centered education that prepares them for careers in some of the fastest-growing industries. The University, which has its main campus in Davenport, Iowa, and its headquarters in Chicago, is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission. Kaplan University serves approximately 29,200 online and campus-based students. The University has 13 campuses in Iowa, Indiana, Nebraska, Maryland, Maine, and Wisconsin, and Kaplan University Learning Centers in Missouri and Maryland.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education LLC and Kaplan, Inc., which serves over one million students globally each year through its array of higher education, test preparation, professional education, English-language training, university preparation, and offerings to individuals, institutions, and businesses. Kaplan has operations in over 30 countries, employs more than 15,000 full- and part-time professionals, and maintains relationships and partnerships with more than 1,000 school districts, colleges, and universities, and over 2,600 corporations and businesses. Kaplan is a subsidiary of Graham Holdings Company GHC and its largest division. For more information, please visit www.Kaplan.com.

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