WGU Texas and Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Sign Partnership and Offer Scholarships for Hispanic Heritage Month

AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, WGU Texas has partnered with the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC), to offer members of the state's Hispanic business community an affordable and accredited way to advance their careers, by completing an online bachelor's or master's degree.

The partnership announcement comes at the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which 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.

Under the terms of the partnership, members of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will receive a 5 percent discount on tuition, for up to four six-month terms and have an opportunity to apply for scholarships, valued at up to $2,000.

"We are delighted to partner with WGU Texas to offer our members the opportunity to earn a degree in a flexible format that best accommodates their demanding lifestyles," said Mark Madrid, President and CEO of the GAHCC. "In today's dynamic business environment, employers and clients are looking for academic credentials and high competence. WGU Texas will open new doors for hardworking adults, giving them the superior business and management skills as well as reputable credentials to stand above the competition."

To spread the word about the importance of furthering one's education, WGU Texas will also serve as a sponsor of CELEBRANDO Austin, the GAHCC Annual Gala and Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. For over 40 years, the black-tie event has recognized Hispanic leaders in small business, corporations, and civic engagement during an evening of recognition, food, and live entertainment.

"Hispanic Heritage Month is the perfect time to increase awareness about the importance of higher education in our Hispanic community," said Veronica Stidvent, Chancellor of WGU Texas. "By partnering with the GAHCC, we hope to inspire business professionals to unleash their full potential and make obtaining a college degree a top priority."

WGU Texas offers more than 50 accredited online degree programs in the fields of business, information technology, education, and healthcare, including nursing. The innovative, competency-based education model, which was recently recognized by the White House as an example of what works in postsecondary education, is ideal for working adults who amass considerable knowledge and expertise in their field prior to earning a university degree. Because WGU Texas measures learning, not seat time, students can move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. As a result, many students are able to accelerate their time to degree completion—the average time to a bachelor's degree at WGU Texas is under three years. Tuition is charged at a flat rate of $3,000 per six-month term for most programs, and terms can begin on the first day of any month.

For information on WGU Texas' degree programs and how to take advantage of the university's partnership with the GAHCC, visit http://texas.wgu.edu/gahcc. For information on the CELEBRANDO Austin event, visit http://www.gahcc.org/celebrandoaustin.

About the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC)

Established in 1973, the mission of the GAHCC is to increase its members' personal, business, educational and financial wealth. The GAHCC vision is to be the Center of Excellence for businesses and entrepreneurs in the Central Texas Hispanic market. The Chamber continues to stand by its mission to build its members' wealth through comprehensive economic development, business education, advocacy and networking. For more information, visit www.gahcc.org.

About WGU Texas
As the state's only online, competency-based university, WGU Texas offers accredited bachelor's and master's degrees in today's high-demand fields. WGU Texas' model is unique—rather than earning degrees based on time spent in class, students advance toward their credential at their own pace by demonstrating competency. Because students advance as soon as they demonstrate mastery of course materials, they can usually graduate with a bachelor's degree in three years—saving time and money. WGU Texas offers some of the lowest tuition in the state — most of the university's degree programs are charged at a flat rate of $3,000 per six-month term, and terms can begin on the first day of any month.

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