Richmond Promise partners with online nonprofit university to reduce college expense

Richmond Promise and Western Governors University have entered an agreement that will allow Richmond Promise Scholars to apply for a scholarship that, along with other funding, would allow a student to pursue a college degree at little to no cost.

“Expanding access to college will always be one of the central tenets of Richmond Promise’s mission, and our partnership with Western Governors University is another way in which we are working to provide Richmond students with new pathways to postsecondary success,” said Richmond Promise Executive Director Christopher Whitmore. “We look forward to working alongside WGU to provide another affordable higher education option for Richmond Promise Scholars.”

Richmond Promise Scholars will be able to apply for Western Governors University’s $5,000 Community Outreach Partner Scholarship for $1,250 per term, which is renewable for up to four terms. WGU is a fully accredited, online nonprofit university based in Utah.

“Our partnership with Richmond Promise is a testament to our shared commitment to providing access to education and opportunities for all,” said Rick Benbow III, Regional Vice President for Western Governors University. “We are excited to collaborate in empowering the students of Richmond, fostering academic and professional excellence, and nurturing future leaders committed to positive change in their community and beyond.”

Richmond Promise has supported more than 3,300 Richmond students since its launch in 2016, 91 percent of whom identify as people of color and 64 percent are first-generation college students.

Richmond Promise currently serves more than 1,300 Scholars per year who are pursuing associate and bachelor degrees and career technical education certifications at over 200 colleges and universities across the United States.

To learn more about the partnership between Richmond Promise and Western Governors University, the Community Outreach Scholarship, WGU’s B4 Women in Tech program, and the Online Access Award, visit wgu.edu/partners/richmond-promise.html.

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