Western Governors University Announces New Scholarship for Essential Workers

Redby, Minn. - (March 15, 2021) – Western Governors University (WGU) has announced a new scholarship specifically designed for essential workers. Valued at up to $3,000 each, the Essential Workers Scholarship was launched to show appreciation for first responders, grocery store employees, postal workers, sanitation workers, delivery drivers, transit employees and countless other essential workers who have shown unwavering perseverance and commitment in serving area communities throughout the pandemic.

The Essential Workers Scholarship is open to new students whose jobs have been considered to be essential throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and are interested in pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in any of the more than 60 degree programs offered at Western Governors University – in the areas of business, IT, education and health professions, including nursing. Each $3,000 scholarship will be applied to WGU’s already-low, flat-rate tuition and will be credited at the rate of $750 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2021, and the application can be found at wgu.edu/essential.

“During these unprecedented times, our essential workers have been working tirelessly to help meet our needs and bring a sense of normalcy to our lives that we all craved,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Through this scholarship offering, we aim to demonstrate our appreciation for everything they have done and continue to do, while providing an affordable and accessible path to higher education for those essential workers who are interested in advancing their careers.”

The Essential Workers Scholarship is one of many offered by WGU to help create an affordable and accessible pathway to higher education for busy adults. Through the generosity of numerous corporations and foundations, plus special federal government appropriations, WGU maintains a robust program of scholarships made available to qualified students. For more information about WGU, the Essential Workers Scholarship or other available scholarships, visit wgu.edu.

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 217,000 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 24 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.