Agreement establishes more than $50 thousand in scholarship funds and other benefits to employees of state’s largest school district
Western Governors University (WGU) and the Alpine School District announced a partnership to encourage faculty and staff to pursue high-quality, respected credentials through the nonprofit, online university. The benefits to district employees include fee waivers and exclusive scholarship opportunities.
Together, WGU and the Alpine School District have established the Pathway to Become a Teacher Scholarship. Valued up to $5,000, as many as 10 Alpine employees will be selected to receive that award – to be applied to an approved, WGU bachelor’s or master’s degree program. Additionally, Alpine employees are eligible to apply for the $2,500 WGU K-12 Partner Scholarship. Both scholarships are intended to lower the financial barrier to a university degree and reward current and prospective teachers for their commitment to educating young people.
“Serving more than 84,000 students, Alpine School District faculty and staff help shape and make a positive impact on more young learners than any district in the state,” said David Stephenson, Executive Director of Communications. “We owe it to our community to ensure we have talented, well-trained educators. This new partnership with WGU helps us continue to deliver the best outcomes for the students and families we serve.”
Read more information on the K-12 Partner Scholarship and other benefits here.
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, WGU offers more than 60 degree programs, including 29 bachelor’s, master’s and teacher licensure programs in its Teachers College. Nearly 1,700 current WGU students and more than 3,200 graduates call Utah County home. Across the state, more than 8,200 individuals are currently enrolled in WGU degree programs, while more than 17,300 have already earned degrees from the online university.
As a nonprofit institution, WGU is committed to keeping tuition costs low. Most WGU degree programs are approximately $7,000 per year – about half as much as comparable universities. Its online, competency-based model allows students to study and learn whenever and wherever it is convenient and at a pace that fits their lifestyles. The university is well-suited for busy, working adults, as well as traditionally underserved student populations.
“WGU developed its innovative model with students top of mind,” said Melissa Jensen, strategic partnerships manager for WGU. “We recognize everyone’s approach to learning is a little different – even for adult learners. We want to provide a flexible, highly personalized experience for everyone that enrolls. Our mission is pure: to improve lives through the power of education.”
About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves nearly 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 240,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 24 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
