Western Governors University Launches the "I Have a Dream" Scholarship in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Redby, Minn. - (Jan. 13, 2021) – In celebration of the life and legacy of late civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Western Governors University (WGU) has announced it will award $100,000 in scholarships to those who have dreamed of furthering their education but have faced challenges in their lives that have prevented them from doing so. The nonprofit, online university aims to provide financial relief to adults through its “I Have a Dream” scholarship to help make it easier for them to fulfill their dreams and complete their degrees.

The scholarships are open to new students enrolling in any of WGU’s 60-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in information technology, business, teacher education and health professions, including nursing. Each “I Have a Dream” scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and will be credited to students’ accounts at a rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. Applications are currently being accepted at wgu.edu/dream.

“As we reflect on the legacy of Dr. King, who worked tirelessly to end the injustices of racial and economic inequality, we continue to be inspired by his vision for the future,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “We are proud to once again offer this scholarship so that working adults across the state can be inspired to follow their dreams of furthering their education, advancing their careers and, ultimately, enhancing their lives.”

The “I Have a Dream” scholarships are competitive and will be awarded based on the students’ academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency, as well as other considerations. The application deadline is June 30, 2021.

For more information about Western Governors University and the “I Have a Dream” scholarship, visit wgu.edu/dream.

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 more than 131,000 students nationwide and has more than 209,000 graduates. 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 22 years, the university has become a leading influence in the development of innovative workforce-focused approaches to education. 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 http://www.wgu.edu.