Western Governors University (WGU) and Monument Health today announced they have entered into a joint partnership that will provide employees and staff of Monument Health with an affordable option to earning their bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Additionally, under the terms of the agreement, those who enroll in any of the online, nonprofit university’s 60-plus undergraduate or graduate degree programs in business, IT, K-12 teacher education or health professions – including nursing – will now be eligible to apply for scholarships offered through the WGU Collaborative Agreement Scholarship program.
The scholarships, each valued at up to $2,500, are designed for employees of WGU’s partner collaboratives that are seeking to advance their education. Each scholarship will be disbursed in increments of $625 per six-month term and can be renewed for up to four terms based on satisfactory academic performance. Applicants who lack access to affordable, high-speed internet will also be eligible to apply for the WGU Online Access Scholarship, which covers internet installation and monthly access costs for the duration WGU students who qualify are active and in good standing and also provides devices to students who are in need.
“At Monument Health, being a great place to work is one of our top priorities,” said Trina Allen, Vice President of Human Resources for Monument Health. “We are excited to partner with WGU in providing our caregivers the opportunity to pursue their educational goals while continuing to support our patients and communities.”
WGU offers Monument Health employees and staff a competency-based approach to learning that allows students to take advantage of their knowledge and previous experience to quickly move 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 they have mastered the 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 and graduate faster, saving both time and money.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Monument Health, to help provide their employees with an affordable pathway to furthering their education and advancing their careers,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Regional Vice President of Western Governors University. “Our academic programs ensure graduates have the core knowledge and skills required to compete and succeed in the workplace, while also helping partners like Monument Health address their critical professional development needs.”
For more information about WGU and its partnership with Monument Health, visit wgu.edu/partnerships.
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 130,000 students nationwide and has more than 250,000 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 in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
About Monument Health, Inc.
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 5,000 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
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For more information, contact:
Pamela Powell
(314) 436-9090