In January 2021, CPCD lost a champion in Dr. Benjaman C. Glidden (LtCol, USAF, Ret.), a former CPCD Board Member from 1996 through 2002.  Ben served as Board Chair for two years, in 2000 and 2001 where he led the organization through a CEO transition as well as unprecedented growth in the Head Start program.  Ben believed in the power of education; among many other accomplishments, he earned a Masters in Library Science, Masters in Public Administration and a Doctorate of Public Administration while attending Harvard and the University of Pittsburgh.  He served as the USAFA Director of Libraries and as an Associate Professor of Political Science before his retirement from active duty in 1982.  Ben continued his commitment to improving education for young people by serving on the Colorado Springs District 11 School board from 1983 through 1991, eventually becoming its president.

 

While serving on CPCD’s board, Ben often commented on the two parts of our mission that he loved the most:  helping vulnerable young children be ready for success in school, and helping their parents to improve their education and training so that they could provide for their families.  To honor Ben’s passion and commitment, CPCD has established the Dr. Benjaman C. Glidden Scholarship Fund to award scholarships to Head Start graduates and/or parents of Head Start children who wish to continue their education.  We will announce the process to apply for fund by the end of year.

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If you have additional questions, please csanderson@cpcd.org