Bullhead City, AZ – The dream of a college degree might be a much more realistic goal for Mohave Electric Cooperative members, thanks to a partnership between Western Governors University (WGU) and Arizona’s 6 electric cooperatives.
WGU is a fully accredited, nonprofit university that offers degree programs in over 60 disciplines. Already known for its affordability, WGU is seeking to make the attainment of higher education less cost-prohibitive for electric cooperative members with their “Power Your Future” scholarship program.
A total of $50,000 has been allocated for new WGU students who are either employees of, members of, or live in a household served by any of the electric co-ops that power rural Arizona. Each scholarship is valued up to $3,000 and will be applied at a rate of $750 per six-month term. Recipients will be selected based on financial need, academic records, readiness for online study and current competency, among other considerations.
As a completely online university, WGU is a great fit for non-traditional students, such as working adults or those wishing to complete a degree they may have started many years ago! WGU has conferred more than 6,500 degrees across the Grand Canyon State, and 3,000 Arizonans are currently enrolled.
Students can take courses at their own pace, and curriculum dependent, can complete bachelor’s degree programs in under 3 years. A master’s degree can be earned in 18 months. As students pay 1 flat semester rate, regardless of credit hours, an accelerated graduation plan can save a student thousands of dollars.
“This partnership will make the dream of a college degree a more attainable reality for Mohave Electric Cooperative members. Through the 'Power Your Future' scholarship, we are not merely extending financial support; rather, we are diligently working to remove barriers, fostering a pathway towards a future with boundless opportunities,” said Rick Benbow, Regional Vice President of WGU.
WGU aims to empower students in rural areas that have limited access to advanced degree programs. The flexibility of online coursework allows students to remain in their own communities as they pursue career paths in K-12 Education, Business, Nursing/Health Care or Information Technology.
“Mohave Electric Cooperative and WGU share a mutual goal of supporting and investing in the future of our community,” said Tyler Carlson, CEO of Mohave Electric Cooperative. “This partnership is a great opportunity to develop and retain local talent—and here at MEC, we believe in providing the tools and the resources to inspire students for success, when we can.”
To be eligible for the Power Your Future scholarship, applicants must be officially admitted to WGU and enrolled in 1 of the university’s bachelor’s or master’s degree programs. Students must also complete the scholarship application at WGU's website.
This scholarship can be combined with other financial assistance programs, such as MEC’s annual college grant program, which awards recipients with up to $5,000 for the college or university of their choice.
Eligibility requirements and application details for the MEC Scholarship can be found on MEC's Scholarship page.
MEC funds several programs that recognize the importance of education, including an established endowment at the Bullhead City Campus of Mohave Community College. Current or former MCC students interested in WGU can learn more about transferring credits at WGU's website.