OREGON CITY – Clackamas Community College and Western Governors University announced a partnership on April 30 that enhances educational pathways for CCC graduates and employees. Leaders from both institutions formalized the agreement during a signing ceremony on CCC's Oregon City campus.

The collaboration provides transfer opportunities for CCC alumni into WGU's online bachelor's and master's degree programs, fostering expanded access to higher education and career advancement. Additionally, CCC alumni and employees who enroll at WGU will be eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partnership Scholarship, valued at up to $2,500.

"Our graduates and employees now have another route to continue their education with a university that understands the needs and identities of online learners," Ni'Cole Sims, director of CCC's office of education partnerships, said.

WGU is an online, nonprofit university offering more than 60 bachelor's and master's degrees in business, IT, teacher education and health professions, including nursing. The university's innovative competency-based model allows students to gain in-demand knowledge and skills on their own time and at a pace that fits their lifestyles.

"WGU is committed to creating pathways that help individuals advance their education in a flexible and supportive online environment," said Tonya Drake, PhD, WGU regional vice president, Northwest. "By partnering with Clackamas Community College, we are able to extend this commitment to more students, providing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today's competitive job market."

Currently, nearly 250 WGU students and more than 800 graduates call Clackamas County home. Across Oregon, more than 2,800 individuals are enrolled at WGU, while over 7,600 have already earned degrees from the university.

WGU is well-suited for busy, working adults and traditionally underserved student populations. The university provides students with individualized experiences and personalized guidance from dedicated faculty mentors and course instructors – from the time they enroll until they graduate. WGU is also committed to keeping tuition costs low, with tuition for most degree programs approximately $8,000 per year, about half as much as their counterparts at similar institutions.

The partnership takes effect immediately, as WGU enrolls students on the first of every month. More information can be found at Oregon Community Colleges webpage on WGU's website.

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 175,000 students nationwide and has awarded more than 370,000 degrees to graduates in all fifty 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 on WGU's website.