WGU Texas Partners with Fort Bend County to Make Higher Education More Affordable

AUSTIN, Texas, April 10, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Fort Bend County and WGU Texas, texas.wgu.edu, announced today the signing of an articulation agreement that allows Fort Bend County employees to receive application fee waivers and a 5% discount to further their education at WGU Texas.

Home to more than 600,000 residents, Fort Bend is ranked as one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. Fort Bend County currently employs over 2,200 staff in more than 80 departments throughout the county area including Sugar Land, Richmond, Rosenberg, Missouri City, Katy, Needville, Stafford and Fulshear. The partnership between Fort Bend County and WGU Texas will enhance workforce development in the Fort Bend County area by expanding access to affordable and high-quality higher education for working adults.

"Fort Bend County is pleased to offer this tuition reduction opportunity to encourage our employees to further their academic education," said Kent M. Edwards, Fort Bend County Director of Human Resources. "Through the agreement with WGU Texas, we're able to expand our employees' options for continuing education at a reduced rate, and encourage them to apply for scholarships offered through the WGU Texas Institutional Partners Scholarship program."

Under the terms of the partnership, Fort Bend County employees will receive discounted tuition at WGU Texas, for up to four six-month terms. Employees can choose from over 50 accredited bachelor's and master's degree programs and are eligible for scholarships, valued at up to $2,000.

WGU Texas is an online, accredited, nonprofit university aimed at expanding access to high-quality, affordable higher education for Texans. Designed to meet the needs of working adults who need to complete a bachelor's or master's degree to advance their careers, the university offers accredited degree programs in the high-demand fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Texas was established in 2011 through a partnership between the state of Texas and nationally recognized Western Governors University.

"We look forward to providing their employees a new avenue to advance their education by earning high-quality baccalaureate and master's degrees—conveniently and affordably," said WGU Texas Chancellor Ray Martinez. "This partnership not only provides Fort Bend County employees access to affordable and flexible higher education and training; it will also help build a qualified workforce to enhance the economic viability of the community."

About Fort Bend County

Fort Bend County is located in the Houston metropolitan area just Southwest of Harris County.  Its 875 square miles consistently ranks as one of the fastest growing counties in America with a current population of 678,353.  Excellent schools, affordable housing, and extensive recreational facilities have attracted families with impressive demographic profiles making Fort Bend County the most ethnically diverse county in the nation; with over 40% of this population being college educated.  Founded on the banks of the Brazos River, Fort Bend County has a rich and colorful history that has sustained magnificent growth to become the thriving community it is today. 

About WGU Texas

WGU Texas uses an innovative model called competency-based education. Rather than earning degrees based on credit hours or time spent in class, students are required to demonstrate competency in degree subject matter. Designed for busy adults who need a bachelor's or master's degree to further their careers, competency-based learning allows students to study independently, with individualized faculty support, and advance through coursework as soon as they are able to prove what they have learned. Degree programs are rigorous and challenging, but designed to allow students to schedule their studies to accommodate work and family obligations. Tuition is also affordable at approximately $6,000 per year for most degree programs, regardless of how many courses a student completes. Because WGU Texas measures learning rather than time spent in class, professionals with knowledge and skills from work and previous college experience can often advance through their programs more quickly, saving both time and money.

WGU Texas degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is regionally accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Teachers College programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).*

Learn more at texas.wgu.edu or call 1-877-214-7011.

Follow WGU Texas:
http://www.facebook.com/WGUTexas
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university
http://twitter.com/wgutexas
http://www.youtube.com/user/WesternGovernorsUniv

Contact for enrollment information:
877.214.7011 
texas.wgu.edu 

Contact for media inquiries:
Holly Subervi, PR Manager
512-225-6652 or 512-965-4500
[email protected]

SOURCE WGU Texas