National Urban League (NUL) and Corinthian Colleges Inc. have collaborated on a $1 million education partnership for the NUL’s Urban Empowered College Bound Program to help high school dropouts earn GED credentials that they did not achieve in while in formal education.

Corinthian Colleges Inc. donated $1 million to the Urban Empowered College Bound Program, which will help the National Urban League strengthen and coordinate GED preparation programs being offered by its local affiliates around the country.

The grant will also allow the National Urban League civil rights group to expand GED programs across its affiliates in Pittsburgh, PA and Orlando, FL and help 200+ students.

Marc H. Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League, said:

“The National Urban League has focused its mission of economic empowerment on guiding young people toward the skills they need for career success in the 21st Century.

“Students who earn their GED credential have a better chance of completing postsecondary education, gaining full-time employment and earning higher salaries than those who do not. Corinthian has a long history of preparing students for careers in demand and of giving every student an equal opportunity to succeed.”

Jack Massimino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Corinthian, said:

“Both the National Urban League and Corinthian understand that education is the key to economic success and a better life.

“For the 29 million Americans over the age of 25 who don’t have a high school diploma, earning a GED credential is an essential first step. Both our organizations help hundreds of people take that first step every year. We’re proud to help the National Urban League do even more of this life-changing work.”

The Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh and the Central Florida Urban League will manage and deliver the Program. Corinthian Colleges campuses to identify and enroll interested and qualified students, who will start in the summer of 2012.