Gov. Pete Ricketts signs agreement aimed at helping 300,000 Nebraskans finish degree
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Pete Ricketts on Tuesday signed an agreement to expand affordable postsecondary education in Nebraska.
The goal of the agreement with Western Governors University is to allow people to use their past education and experience to get their degree quickly.
WGU is an online college based out of Utah, but it has now expanded its courses to 12 states.
The vision of the governor is to ensure every community has access to education, including older generations trying to go back to school.
“Giving adult learners that flexibility to be able to tailor their schedules to an online environment is critical,” Ricketts said. “One of the other things that is really critical about WGU is that it’s competency-based learning. Recognizing that adult learners have experience. They know things.”
In Nebraska, over 300,000 people have some college level experience but no degree, according to WGU.
One of them is Amanda Redler. With her credits from 18 years ago, she transferred into WGU and will earn a bachelor’s degree soon.
“I just think it’s good that it’s going to get out there a little bit,” Redler said. “Tell these students that are in a community college there is another option than moving into a super expensive four-year college.”
WGU says its plan is to put the student at the center.
With a competency-based education, they say learning and experience matters more than the time a student spends in a seat.
“This is untapped talent,” said Scott Pulsipher, president of WGU. “These are hidden workers that all the employers in this great state need to tap into.”
Many face obstacles in trying to earn a bachelor’s degree, according to Ricketts.
But WGU claims that with its opportunities and online learning, it can reach and teach people wherever they may be.
Nebraskans who choose to attend WGU are now eligible for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant as well.
And in celebration of the WGU-Nebraska affiliate, the president of WGU announced a partnership scholarship that will provide up to $200,000 in financial aid going forward.
