A new scholarship opportunity from Western Governors University (WGU) aimed at adult learners who live in rural areas helps people stay in their hometowns as they work toward their degree.
The Learn Where You Live Scholarship is valued at up to $3,000 and is available to new students or returning graduates who want to further their education at WGU, stated a news release from the university.
Scholarship recipients will receive up to $750 per six-month term, which is renewable for up to four terms. Applicants must live in a rural area of the nation as is designated by the U.S. Census Bureau.
The launch of the new scholarship comes on the heels of WGU’s Northwest Regional team’s rural jobs report, “Shifting Winds: Examining Employment Trends in Rural Northwest Regions.” The research, conducted in partnership with WGU Labs, shows that while demand for talent shifted throughout the pandemic, rural health care job listings continue to dominate in these regions, and rural STEM-sector job postings are rising significantly — with up to a 183% increase in rural areas.
Demand for bachelor’s degrees has also increased as a requirement compared to high school diplomas, stated the release.
The most sought-after skills, according to WGU, were auditing, marketing, computer science, business development, project management, accounting, Agile methodology, finance, workflow management and data analysis.
“This is a commitment the university has made and certainly the Leavitt School of Health has made,” stated Keith Smith, the WGU senior vice president of the Leavitt School of Health. “We’re in the process of adding several non-clinical programs, a portfolio that meets the entire spectrum of needs for rural health.”
Tonya Drake, the regional vice president of WGU, said the university aims to increase accessibility and opportunities for its students, regardless of their location, background, motivations or life situation.
“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,” Drake stated in the release.
Drake, who grew up in Longview, had to leave her hometown to get her bachelor’s degree.
“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 stated in the release. “The rural community is the backbone of our economy and we look forward to helping people gain the degrees needed to obtain in-demand jobs in their hometowns.”
The application deadline for the scholarship is June 30. To find out more, go online to wgu.edu/financial-aid-tuition/scholarships/general/rural.html.
