Oct. 27, 2009 (PR Newswire) --

WASHINGTON, Oct. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Blackboard Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBB) today announced a partnership with the Imagine America Foundation, an associated foundation of the Career College Association, to bring online education opportunities to military veterans in an effort to help them acquire skills needed for success as they move into civilian careers.

As part of the partnership, Blackboard's Professional Education division will work with Imagine America, a nonprofit organization, in support of the IAF LDRSHIP Award over the next five years. Established in 2004, the annual LDRSHIP Award provides eligible military personnel currently enrolled in a CCA institution the opportunity to further their education with grants to put towards their courses of study. Blackboard's support will help veterans, reservists and honorably discharged or active duty young men and women preparing to return from military service to pursue career education.

"We are grateful to Blackboard for their support of this important program for the United States military community," said Robert L. Martin, President IAF. "Blackboard's commitment to adult education creates a wonderful opportunity for the deserving men and women who work so hard on behalf of our country."

Last week, the Career College Association also announced that former commander in chief President Bill Clinton will address its 2010 annual convention in a keynote sponsored by Blackboard. At the event, Clinton will speak to over 1,000 CCA members representing private postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities across the country that offer career-specific education programs. Blackboard works with many of the CCA's member organizations to meet the increased demand for career education and the growing interest in effective learning programs that match the diverse schedules and realities of today's learners.

"Career colleges are increasingly serving the kind of students - working adults, parents and military veterans - whose success will have a major impact on the health and future of our nation's economy and workforce," said Tim Hill, President of Blackboard Learn, Professional Education. "No one understands the intersections between education, opportunity and the economy as well as President Clinton, who has spent a career as governor, president and world leader working to improve the ability for workers and learners at all levels to compete."

"We are honored to have Blackboard sponsor President Clinton's participation in our 2010 annual convention," said Harris N. Miller, President of CCA.