ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø, WGU Align to Help Students Buck Alarming Trend
Release Date: Tuesday 2024-03-19
ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø, Western Governors University Align to Help Students Buck Alarming Trend
Partnership provides guaranteed scholarships and admission to ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø grads
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (March 19, 2024) – Though four out of five community college students across the nation say they want to earn a bachelor’s degree, . In Idaho, that percentage – and 10 percent among low-income learners. That’s according to complementary reports published by the Community College Research Center, Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, and National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø () and Western Governors University () have partnered to ensure more students in the Magic Valley defy that trend and achieve their education dreams. ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø has agreed to join . Leaders from both institutions made that announcement during a ceremony today on ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø’s Twin Falls campus. ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø is currently the only school in Idaho involved in OWL – and one of just 23 nationwide.
"This partnership with WGU is a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Dean Fisher, president of ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø. “It aligns with ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø’s mission to not only provide quality education but also to create pathways for continued success and career advancement. Our students will now have greater opportunities to achieve their dreams of earning a bachelor's degree in a flexible and supportive online environment."
OWL is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide seamless academic pathways for students to complete their associate degree and guarantees admission into specific majors at WGU. The program focuses on early engagement and preparation to ensure students are successful both at ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø and then at WGU. It also promises ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø graduates admission into WGU and guarantees them a $3,600 scholarship.
The full list of benefits to ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø students who enroll in the OWL program includes:
- Placement on an academic path that ensures maximum credit for the coursework completed at ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø with their associate degree.
- Help from advisors at ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø and WGU monitoring progress and ensuring all necessary requirements for enrollment at WGU are met, including course selection and GPA requirements.
- A guaranteed scholarship to WGU worth $3,600
- Guaranteed admission to one of 19 programs at WGU – or simplified access to apply to another WGU program.
- Free access to specially designed transfer courses throughout their program to ensure they are prepared to attend WGU.
- An invitation to join the WGU Night Owl community.
- Regular communication from WGU during their time at community college.
To learn more about WGU’s OWL program and its benefits for ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø students, click .
“Like ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø, WGU recognizes the diverse needs and identities of contemporary students and wants to do all it can to help them succeed,” said Ismar Vallecillos, WGU’s regional director of operations. “Many want to graduate from ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø and go on and earn a bachelor’s degree from a university. Despite the national trend, the agreement between our schools will set students on a path to success and remove barriers that might otherwise hinder their progress.”
WGU's online, competency-based model offers learners flexibility to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments. OWL enhances their overall student experience by providing tailored transfer pathways, scholarship opportunities, and a smooth transition for ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø graduates.
“Our university has had a long, successful relationship with ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø – and their alignment with the OWL program is another massive step in our shared effort to serve students in southern Idaho,” said Mary Hendrick, WGU’s director of community college partnerships. “On behalf of WGU, I want to thank ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø for their partnership and look forward to helping more ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø grads earn university degrees.”
Both ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø and WGU have track records of making the path to postsecondary degrees more manageable. In 2021, ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø and WGU struck an agreement offering a generous transfer credit policy to current and future ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø alumni enrolling at WGU. That pact also extends eligibility to ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø alumni and employees to apply for the , valued up to $2,500. Additionally, both schools are approved Idaho LAUNCH institutions. is a grant program launched by Gov. Brad Little and the state legislature that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000.
About ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø:
Established in 1965, the ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø is a comprehensive community college offering a wide range of transfer and career-technical education programs along with workforce training opportunities throughout its service region. ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø is committed to giving students a jump start on achieving their educational goals, as more than half of ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø students are still in high school and are participating in dual enrollment opportunities. The college also contributes to the quality of life in the Magic Valley by offering various cultural, enrichment, and athletic events, and through its support of economic development. In 2021, ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø became Idaho’s first public Hispanic-Serving Institution.
About Western Governors University:
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 nearly 175,000 students nationwide and has nearly 325,000 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 at
Contact Information:
Matt Hartgrave
ÑÇÖÞ²ÊƱ¹ÙÍø
Director of Marketing and Communication
208.732.6333
mlhartgrave@csi.edu
Jake Riddell
Western Governors University
PR and Communications, Northwest
206.512.0025
jake.riddell@wgu.edu