AmeriCorps and Western Governors University Establish Partnership to Offer Educational Opportunities and Enhance Recruitment Efforts

AmeriCorps NCCC joins with WGU to promote national service and provide online educational options

WASHINGTON, D.C. - AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, through its NCCC program, signed a two-year agreement with Western Governors University to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for AmeriCorps members and alumni, including WGU's bachelor and master's level degrees and job-focused certificates, as well as onramp courses to provide academic foundations ahead of credential program enrollment.

WGU is the nation's leading nonprofit, accredited university offering degrees, certificates, single courses, and bundled courses through programs designed to fit into busy schedules.WGU participates in the Schools of National Serviceprogram and its competency-based education model allows students to demonstrate mastery as they progress through programs at their own pace.

"I'm excited to see how this new multi-dimensional partnership between WGU and AmeriCorps NCCC opens up opportunities for growth and skill development in communities," said Michael D. Smith, CEO, AmeriCorps. "This partnership builds on AmeriCorps' overarching commitment to providing career building and learning experiences to our members and alumni."

"AmeriCorps NCCC prides itself in being the national service program with the lowest barriers to entry and greatest opportunity for program participation," said Ken Goodson, AmeriCorps NCCC Director, AmeriCorps. "AmeriCorps NCCC's model and values align with those of WGU, which strives to meet students where they are with their academic pursuits. Through collaboration for recruitment, as well as providing AmeriCorps NCCC alumni with valuable post-service benefits at WGU, I am thrilled to see this partnership formalized and look forward to leveraging the engagement to strengthen both the NCCC and WGU communities."

This agreement allows AmeriCorps members in the NCCC program and all AmeriCorps alumni to further their careers by pursuing educational opportunities and scholarships to advance their personal and professional goals. Through this partnership, aconcrete post-service benefit is offered to AmeriCorps members in the NCCC program that will permit them to pursue online academic pursuits. Degree-seeking students in the AmeriCorps NCCC program are eligible to apply for the $2500 WGU AmeriCorps Scholarship.

"WGU is proud to partner with AmeriCorps NCCC in supporting its members and alumni in achieving their educational and career goals," said Dr. K.L. Allen, Northeast regional vice president of WGU. "Through this meaningful partnership, we are giving back to those who generously serve their communities by providing flexible, high-quality educational opportunities and empowering individuals to advance their lives and make a lasting impact on their careers."

With more than 180,000 students enrolled and over 360,000 alumni, WGU will leverage its broad social media reach and target marketing efforts to provide recruitment support for AmeriCorps NCCC, which will increase the diversity of members in AmeriCorps NCCC programs.

Since the first class of AmeriCorps members pledged to "get things done for America" nearly 30 years ago, more than 1.3 million Americans have served. Every year, thousands of AmeriCorps members prepare students for success, rebuild communities and revitalize cities, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, fight the opioid epidemic, preserve public lands, strengthen the workforce and so much more. AmeriCorps members who complete a full term of service earn a Segal Education Award. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members nationwide, in return for their service, have earned more than $4.8 billion in education scholarships.