WGU Washington Launches Scholarship to Drive Diversity in Tech Industry
Nonprofit, online university encourages more women to seek jobs in technology and STEM fields
KENT, Wash., Aug. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- To increase gender diversity in technology-driven industries and meet the demand for growth in our state, WGU Washington is now offering the Women in Technology Scholarship. This scholarship is available to new and enrolling female students in the online, nonprofit university's College of Information Technology. Scholarship applications are being accepted through Dec. 31, 2017.
To learn more and apply for WGU Washington's Women in Technology Scholarship, visit: washington.wgu.edu/womenintech
"Greater diversity in tech means different ideas and perspectives, and ultimately more innovation," says Jennifer Blanton, an IT professional and recent WGU Washington graduate. "The need for talented people in tech fields is at an all-time high, especially in our state. It's exciting to see universities, like WGU Washington, offer incentives to meet the demand and address the gender imbalance in the industry."
The current gender disparity in tech-focused areas contributes to the skills gap affecting Washington's economy. According to a study from Accenture and Girls Who Code, women fill less than a quarter of all computing jobs nationwide. Meanwhile, the Washington State Employment Security Department reports computing professionals remain among the most in demand – particularly software developers.
Designed to fit into the lives of midcareer professionals, WGU Washington's IT degree programs provide graduates the job-ready training and respected certifications valued by employers. By leveraging the power of online and technology-based learning with the prove-it-and-move-on approach to study and advance at their own pace, students can take control of their education to gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials the industry demands.
Each Women in Technology Scholarship is valued at up to $2,000—$500 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be officially admitted to WGU Washington, complete the scholarship application, and be interviewed by a university scholarship counselor. A comprehensive list of eligibility requirements can be found here. Recipients will be selected based on their academic records, financial needs, and readiness for online study at WGU Washington, among other considerations.
WGU Washington is an online, competency-based university designed to expand access to higher education for Washington residents. In 2011, the Washington State Legislature created WGU Washington in partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University.
Follow WGU Washington:
http://www.facebook.com/WGUWashington
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/western-governors-university
http://twitter.com/wguwashington
http://www.youtube.com/wguwashington
Contact for media inquiries:
Jake Riddell – Public Relations Manager
(206) 512-0025
[email protected]
Contact for enrollment information:
(877) 214-7004
washington.wgu.edu
SOURCE WGU Washington
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