The AARP Foundation and Western Governors University announced this month they are sponsoring 114 new scholarships of up to $5,000 for individuals over the age of 40. The scholarships are based on need and designed to assist students in completing a bachelor's or master's degree in education and nursing.
The scholarship program provides $1,000 per six-month term for up to five terms. Applicants must apply and demonstrate financial need. The program is competitive, and awards "will be based on applicants' academic records, financial need, and readiness for online study at WGU," the sponsors said.
WGU was created as an online university in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to higher education. The private, non-profit university currently has 17,000 students. It is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities and nationally accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council. In addition, the WGU's Teachers College is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education and its nursing programs are accredited by the Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education.
For more information regarding the program and application see www.wgu.edu/AARPScholarships .
