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

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. - AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, signed a three-year extension agreement with Western Governors University (WGU) to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for AmeriCorps Volunteers and alumni. These opportunities include WGU's bachelor and master's level degrees, job-focused certificates, and onramp courses that build academic foundations ahead of credential program enrollment.

WGU is the nation's leading nonprofit, accredited university offering degrees, certificates, individual courses, and bundled courses through programs designed to accommodate busy schedules. As a member of the AmeriCorps Schools of National Service program, WGU uses a competency-based education model that enables students to demonstrate mastery and move forward at their own pace.

"This partnership continues to build on AmeriCorps' overarching commitment to providing workforce development and learning experiences to our Volunteers and alumni," said Mark Lloyd, Chief of Staff, AmeriCorps. "This multi-dimensional partnership between WGU and AmeriCorps has opened up opportunities for growth and skill development in communities across the country."

"AmeriCorps NCCC is proud to be a national service program with low barriers to entry and extensive opportunities for participation," said Ken Goodson, AmeriCorps NCCC Director, AmeriCorps. "AmeriCorps' mission aligns closely with WGU's commitment to helping people pursue their education, no matter where their journey begins. By joining forces to recruit and offer valuable post-service benefits to AmeriCorps alumni, I am excited to see this partnership continue and look forward to leveraging our shared engagement to make both the NCCC program and WGU stronger."

This agreement empowers AmeriCorps NCCC Volunteers and all AmeriCorps alumni to further their careers by pursuing educational opportunities and scholarships that support their personal and professional goals. Through this partnership, a concrete post-service benefit will continue to be offered to AmeriCorps Volunteers who have completed 1,700 hours will continue to receive a post-service educational benefit that enables them to pursue online academic pathways. Degree-seeking students in the AmeriCorps NCCC program are eligible to apply for the $3000 WGU AmeriCorps Scholarship.

"WGU is proud to continue our partnership with AmeriCorps and support the Volunteers and alumni who have dedicated their time and talents to serving others," said Dr. K.L. Allen, Northeast regional vice president of WGU. "Their commitment to service makes a meaningful difference in communities across the country, and we want to ensure they have access to flexible, high-quality education that can help them take the next step in their own journeys."

With more than 195,000 students enrolled and over 456,000 alumni, WGU will leverage its broad social media network and targeted marketing efforts to support AmeriCorps recruitment, strengthening pathways to service and increasing participation in the AmeriCorps NCCC program. 

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