Western Governors University Announces Scholarships and Free Professional Education Program for Connecticut Educators
Western Governors University (WGU) announces two special programs for Connecticut teachers. The first program offers up to 500 scholarships (totaling $2MM) for current and future education professionals who wish to pursue bachelor’s or master’s degree programs in WGU’s Teachers College. The second is a free, online Character Education Professional Learning (CEPL) program that is free to the first 100 school principals that sign-up.
Each WGU Loves Teachers scholarship is valued up to $4,000 and designed to help current teachers improve their skill set in the classroom, move into administration, or assist in obtaining the required credentials. Average tuition at WGU is approximately $7,000 per year and through its competency-based model delivered in successive six-month terms, the average time to complete a bachelor’s degree program is two and a half years. This scholarship provides students with significant assistance as they pursue an affordable, high-quality degree.
Funded through the generosity of The Kern Family Foundation, the CEPL program begins July 13 and will provide a robust curriculum around character education. There are two tracks focused on PK-12 classrooms: the CEPL-T program for teachers and the CEPL-E program for educational leaders like principals. It is designed to help principals and teachers create a school culture that promotes the character and well-being of their staff and students. Teachers and educational leaders will learn how to implement character development content in their own classrooms and schools and will earn a series of micro-credentials. “At a time when students need inspiring and innovative educators more than ever, we offer these programs to help professionals pursue their academic dreams,” said Mark Milliron, Ph.D., executive dean of WGU’s Teachers College. “We’re incredibly honored to support the continued learning and hard work of next-generation teachers and leaders.”
By providing competency-based, flexible, online degree programs, and low, flat-rate tuition, all WGU’s Teachers College students progress through their courses as soon as they demonstrate mastery. This enables them to learn while working and graduate with less debt than their peers.
“Principals and teachers have shown their leadership, resilience, and dedication to students’ success countless times during the past year,” said Rebecca Watts, Ph.D., WGU regional vice president. “We are glad to be able to give back with meaningful opportunities to change lives for the better.”
New and enrolling WGU students may apply for the scholarship now through June 30 at wgu.edu/teacherappreciation. Scholarships will be awarded based on a candidate’s academic record, financial need, readiness for online study at WGU, current competency, and other considerations.
Registration is now open for the CEPL program at https://www.wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees/cebs.html. WGU’s Teachers College is the nation’s largest college of education by enrollment. In nearly 20 years, WGU’s Teachers College has graduated more than 50,000 educators in every state in America and currently enrolls more than 33,000 students. To learn more, visit wgu.edu/online-teaching-degrees. 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 133,000 students nationwide and has more than 221,000 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 wgu.edu and wgu.edu/advocate