Award Recognizes Entrepreneurial Excellence in IT Services &
Solutions Category
HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 20, 2008--K12 Inc. (NYSE:LRN),
the leader in K-12 curriculum and online school programs, today
announced that the company's CEO and Founder, Ron Packard, received
the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year(R) 2008 Award in the IT
Services & Solutions category in Greater Washington. According to
Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who
are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Packard was
selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was
presented at a gala event at the Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner in
McLean, VA on June 19, 2008.
During his acceptance speech, Packard said, "I would like to thank
Ernst & Young and the panel of judges for this prestigious award, and
for recognizing the advancement of high quality education as a worthy
entrepreneurial endeavor. It is an honor to win, particularly as I
consider the other distinguished finalists. I would also like to thank
my talented and dedicated management team, all of our employees, and
the many investors who shared my dream of providing a world-class
education for children in the U.S. and across the globe."
Packard continued, "I believe we have a responsibility to equip
the next generation of entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills,
values, drive, and vision to impact the world. That is why I'm so
proud of all we have accomplished at K12, and why I am confident we
will be celebrating many future great entrepreneurs who were educated
by K12."
Packard founded K12 Inc. in 1999 with the vision to provide every
child access to an excellent education regardless of their geographic,
financial or demographic circumstances. Since then the company has
grown to become the leader in K-12 curriculum and online school
programs.
Before starting K12 Inc., Packard served as a vice president of
Knowledge Universe and CEO of Knowledge Schools. Previously, he worked
for McKinsey & Company as well as for Goldman Sachs in mergers and
acquisitions. He holds a B.A. in Economics and Mechanical Engineering
with honors from the University of California at Berkeley and an
M.B.A. with honors from the University of Chicago.
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their
22nd anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have
demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial
performance and personal commitment to their businesses and
communities.
"Ernst & Young is pleased to honor outstanding business leaders
such as Ron Packard," said Rene Salas, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of
The Year Program Director for Greater Washington. "Winners of the
Entrepreneur Of The Year award build leading businesses and contribute
a great deal to the communities around them. Their success helps our
area grow stronger."
As a Greater Washington award winner, Packard is now eligible for
consideration for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2008
national program. Award winners in several national categories, as
well as the overall national Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year
award winner, will be announced at the annual awards gala in Palm
Springs, California on November 15, 2008. The awards are the
culminating event of the Ernst & Young Strategic Growth Forum, the
nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading
companies.
Sponsors
Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The
Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
and SAP America as national sponsors.
In Greater Washington sponsors include HSBC Bank, Pillsbury
Winthrop Shaw Pittman, Reznick Group, Lockton Companies and the
Washington Business Journal.
About K12 Inc.
K12 Inc., a technology-based education company, is the leading
provider of K-12 curriculum and online education programs. K12 (R)
provides its curriculum and academic services to online schools,
traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to
families. Over 40,000 students in 17 states are enrolled in online
public schools that use the K12 program. K12 Inc. also operates the
K12 International Academy, an accredited, diploma-granting online
private school serving students worldwide.
K12's mission is to provide any child the curriculum and tools to
maximize success in life, regardless of geographic, financial, or
demographic circumstances. The K12 program combines a cognitive
research-based curriculum with individualized, one-to-one learning
approaches for students of all abilities in numerous education
settings. More information can be found at www.K12.com.
About the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards
Ernst & Young's Entrepreneur Of The Year is the world's most
prestigious business award for entrepreneurs. The award makes a
difference through the unique way it encourages entrepreneurial
activity among those with potential and recognizes the contribution of
people who inspire others with their vision, leadership and
achievement. As the first and only truly global award of its kind,
Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are
building and leading successful, growing and dynamic businesses,
recognizing them through regional, national and global awards programs
in more than 135 cities in 50 countries.
About Ernst & Young
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction
and advisory services. Worldwide, our 130,000 people are united by our
shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a
difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider
communities achieve potential. For more information, please visit
www.ey.com.
(C) 2008 K12 Inc. K12 is a registered trademark, and the K12 logo,
Unleash the xPotential and xPotential are trademarks of K12 Inc. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: K12 Inc.
Jeff Kwitowski
Vice President, Public Relations
703-483-7281
jkwitowski@k12.com
SOURCE: K12 Inc.