Western Governors University (WGU) and the Canyons School District announced a partnership to encourage more education support professionals to pursue teaching credentials and rewarding careers as teachers. The benefits extend to all district employees and include fee waivers and exclusive scholarship opportunities.
“Our mission is to provide young learners the best instruction, support, and experiences possible,” said Canyons Superintendent Dr. Rick Robins. “Not only does our partnership with WGU help ensure a steady pipeline of highly qualified teachers, it reinforces our commitment to the professional development of the outstanding individuals currently working in our district.”
The agreement between WGU and the Canyons School District also establishes the Pathway to Teaching Scholarship. Valued up to $5,000 per award and applicable to any, approved WGU bachelor’s or master’s degree program, as many as 10 district employees will be selected to receive that scholarship. Additionally, Canyons’ 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.
“Like the teachers and educational support staff who serve the students of Canyons School District, WGU’s purpose is to improve through the power of education,” said Melissa Jensen, strategic partnerships manager for WGU. “And we strive to deliver low-cost, high-quality degree programs that fit the lives of midcareer adults.”
Read more information on the K-12 Partner Scholarship and other benefits here.
Headquartered in Salt Lake, WGU offers more than 60 degree programs, including 29 bachelor’s, master’s and teacher licensure programs in its Teachers College. Nearly 2,800 current WGU students and more than 6,500 graduates call Salt Lake County home. Across the state, more than 8,200 individuals are currently enrolled in WGU degree programs, while more than 19,000 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.
