Nonprofit Online University WGU Texas Offers Hispanic Achievers Scholarships for Hispanic Heritage Month

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, nonprofit, online university WGU Texas, http://texas.wgu.edu, has partnered with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to offer members of the state's Hispanic community an opportunity to apply for scholarships when being admitted to the university this month. The Hispanic Achievers Scholarships, valued at up to $2,000, aim to provide members of the Hispanic Chambers of Commerce and Mexican-American Chambers of Commerce throughout the state with a flexible, affordable, and accredited way to advance their careers by completing a bachelor's or master's degree online with WGU Texas.

National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 – October 15 and celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson and was enacted into law on August 17, 1988.

"The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce applauds WGU Texas for reaching out to our Hispanic business community in Texas and providing business owners the opportunity to earn a degree in a format that fits their busy lifestyles," said Geronimo M. Rodriguez Jr., Chair of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

WGU Texas uses a competency-based approach to learning that is ideal for busy adults because it allows students to take advantage of prior education and work experience to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Students earn degrees by demonstrating mastery of subject matter rather than accumulating credit hours for time spent in class. The average age of a WGU Texas student is 37. Most work full time and have previous college, and all commit to a full-time course load, which they work through independently at a time that works best for them. WGU Texas has an agreement with the community and technical colleges in Texas that can provide generous credit transfer to qualified students applying to WGU Texas with an associate's degree.

"As the first-generation college graduate in my family, I know first-hand what a difference a university credential can make to a working adult's life and career," said WGU Texas Chancellor Ray Martinez. "We are grateful to be able to work with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and many other Hispanic chambers, to offer this incentive to our state's business owners. It's a win-win for these students and the state."

The Hispanic Achievers Scholarship is a competitive program. Multiple scholarships will be awarded. To be eligible, candidates must be members of their area Hispanic or Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce, apply and be admitted to WGU Texas, complete the FAFSA, provide transcripts of prior college work, and complete an essay.

Complete scholarship eligibility requirements and applications are available on the WGU Texas website. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2013.

About WGU Texas

WGU Texas is a private, nonprofit, online university expanding access to quality higher education for Texas residents. Established by the state of Texas through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Texas (http://texas.wgu.edu) is open to all qualified Texas residents, and offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the key workforce areas of business, information technology, teacher education, and health professions including nursing.

WGU Texas uses an innovative competency-based academic approach that allows working adults to fit their education into their busy lives. All programs offer flexible, online study, state-of-the art learning resources, expert faculty, and one-on-one mentor-guided support. WGU Texas provides a convenient, cost-effective way for self-directed, hard-working adults to earn a degree and get ahead.

Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).  Learn more at texas.wgu.edu or call 1-877-214-7011.

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SOURCE WGU Texas