Western Governors University offers new scholarship to students enrolling in rural areas

Western Governors University (WGU) is offering a new scholarship opportunity that would support learners in rural communities who wish to study in their hometown, WGU shared in a press release.

The Learn Where You Live Scholarship is available for new students or returning graduates pursuing an eligible degree program at WGU, and living in a rural area of the U.S. as designated by the U.S. Census Bureau.

This scholarship is following the WGU's Northwest Regional team’s rural jobs report,  Shifting Winds: Examining Employment Trends in Rural Northwest Regions.  The demand for talent has shifted through the pandemic, with rural healthcare creating the most demand in rural areas, and STEM-sector job postings are rising significantly, up to a 183% increase. Businesses requiring bachelor's degrees have also increased. 

Western Governors University Regional Vice President Tonya Drake shared how important it is for learners in rural areas to have educational funding.

“Everything we do at Western Governors University is aimed at increasing accessibility and opportunity for each student, regardless of their location, background, motivations, or life situation,” WGU Regional Vice President Tonya Drake, Ph.D., said.

Drake also shared that although she grew up in Washington, she had to leave her hometown to attend college.

“A lot of people leave and don’t come back. Great strides have been made, but I still have nieces and nephews who live in rural parts of the state and wonder if they will have to leave their towns to get an education and a good-paying job,” Drake said.

The scholarship is valued at up to $3,000, which will be credited to the scholar’s account at the rate of $750 per six-month term, and renewable for up to four terms.

“Many students want to go back to school and pursue higher education, but the cost and location can be overwhelming and deter many students from attending college,” voiced Drake.

Brian Cameron, pursued his bachelor's degree with the remote online program at WGU in business management and was able to stay at his home on the Oregon Coast near Oceanside and related that he would not have been able to pursue his degree without the online program.

“It’s hard to find resources living in a rural community,” he said. “The online business program has allowed me to get a proper degree and do it from home. I can literally study anywhere when I have time away from work, whether that be at coffee shop or by the ocean.”

Interested applicants must first apply for admission to a program at WSU before applying for the scholarship.

The deadline for the scholarship application is June 30, 2023.