SEATTLE — Western Governors University (WGU) is helping make the dream of a university education a reality for many people in Western Washington, especially working adults and traditionally underserved students.
“This area is known for ambitious, creative people who are always wanting to reinvent themselves,” said Dr. Tonya Drake, WGU regional vice president.
WGU’s online, competency-based approach offers flexibility and affordability, which are key for working adults and parents. The programs are built for both those without a college degree and those with a college degree who are looking to upskill or reskill.
Graduate Christen Solberg’s mantra “try trying” prompted her to take her first WGU class after 20 years off from school.
“You don’t know what’s going to happen until you actually try it, and once I got in there, I loved it,” Solberg said.
Solberg says the accessibility of mentors and staff members and the flexibility for exam times allowed her to thrive and finish her degree.
“The cool thing about WGU is we were really created to shake things up in higher education, to make it more affordable, to make it more flexible for working adults,” Dr. Drake said.
This includes its competency-based approach, which allows students to go on to the next class once they’ve demonstrated sufficient knowledge, and flat rate tuition. Students can take as many courses as they are able to in a six-month term with no extra cost. Faculty members also provide one-on-one support throughout the student journey.
“They often say that’s definitely the secret to their success,” Dr. Drake said.
Solberg now has a job she loves as an accountant at the Edgewater Hotel and will be giving the graduate address at WGU’s commencement ceremony on July 19. She encourages students to “try trying” and take the first step toward a degree.
“It is lot of work but completely worth it in the end,” she said. “If I can do it after 20 years off, then I think anybody can. Just try.”
WGU partners with employers and communities to make sure their graduates are ready to step into vital roles with the skills, credentials and confidence to succeed.
“Now is a really great opportunity to really think about what’s next in your life, and so we’re excited to be a part of that for those who are ready to try and be bold and courageous to take that next step,” Dr. Drake said.
Graduates will be celebrated at WGU’s commencement on Saturday, July 19 at Climate Pledge Arena. To learn more about available programs and how you can unlock your potential, visit the WGU website.
Sponsored by Western Governors University
Segment Producer Rebecca Perry. Watch New Day Northwest 11 a.m. weekdays on KING 5 and streaming live on KING5.com. Contact New Day.