Western Governors University Celebrates First Responders with New Scholarship

Redby, Minn. (Oct. 25, 2022) In celebration of National First Responders Day, which takes place annually on Oct. 28, and to show appreciation for all those who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of individuals in the communities they serve, Western Governors University (WGU) has launched a new scholarship designed for first responders and their spouses. Each First Responders Scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and is open to EMTs, police officers, firefighters, corrections officers, dispatchers, and their spouses who are interested in completing their bachelor’s or master’s degrees at the fully online, nonprofit university. New students can apply for the scholarship online at wgu.edu/firstresponders through Dec. 31, 2022.

The First Responders Scholarships are available to new students enrolled in any of WGU’s more than 60 undergraduate or graduate degree programs in business, IT, K–12 teacher education, or health professions, including nursing. Each scholarship will be applied to the student’s account at the rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable up to four terms, and can be used in combination with any tuition discounts for which a student may be eligible.

“First responders and their families make sacrifices on a daily basis to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Their dedication does not go unnoticed or unappreciated, and we are proud to offer this scholarship opportunity in their honor. WGU is committed to offering flexible, high-quality education that will fit the lives of busy working adults, and this scholarship will provide first responders and their spouses with an even more affordable pathway to earning their degrees and advancing their careers.”

Designed to meet the needs of adult learners, WGU’s competency-based education model allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students complete their programs by studying on schedules that fit their lives, advancing as soon as they demonstrate that they have mastered subject matter. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction. While WGU’s degree programs are rigorous and challenging, competency-based learning makes it possible for students to accelerate their progress, saving both time and money.

For more information about WGU or 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 135,000 students nationwide and has more than 297,000 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 25 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 The New York Times. Learn more at http://www.wgu.edu.