Western Governors University and PROG Development Center Announce Partnership

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, JANUARY 26, 2024 – Western Governors University (WGU) and the PROG Development Center (Center) announced the establishment of a new partnership that underscores a shared commitment to enhancing lives and strengthening communities through education. The agreement aligns WGU's innovative online learning model with the Center’s focus on community led programs designed to enhance socioeconomic opportunities.

"We are thrilled to partner with the PROG Development Center," said Ismar Vallecillos, WGU’s Regional Director of Operations. "This collaboration allows us to extend our reach and impact to members of the West Valley community, providing more learners with access to quality education and the skills they need to succeed."

The partnership will award select Center participants with fully subsidized tuition in WGU’s specially designed college preparedness program, known as WGU Academy. Additionally, Center participants who are ready for a university degree program, and enroll at WGU, will be eligible to apply for the WGU Community Outreach Partner Scholarship, valued up to $5,000. Overall, the collaboration increases access to high-quality, in-demand learning programs while establishing new pathways to opportunity for individuals seeking to advance their educational and personal growth.

"Working together with WGU allows us to amplify our efforts to provide support and access for those in our community who are pursuing higher educational opportunities as part of their own personal growth and development," said PROG Development Center Director Beth Martial. "We believe that this partnership will bring about meaningful change while helping motivated individuals achieve their educational goals."

The PROG Development Center is an aspect of the PROG Foundation’s robust community engagement strategy. The Center provides a conduit for 16 to 24-year-olds in the greater West Valley City area to embrace higher education, gain workplace readiness, and enrich employment prospects.

About the PROG Development Center:
The PROG Development Center is a welcoming space for young adults in the greater West Valley City area to access in-person and hybrid programming, initiatives, and other offerings designed to develop the skills and resources necessary to help positively shape their futures. PROG Development Center programs were developed with community leaders, local organizations and businesses, Granite School District representatives, and current and former high school students to offer access to a diverse set of post-graduation opportunities, including college, tech certificate programs, and career paths, for young adults primarily between the ages of 16-24. The PROG Development Center is part of the PROG Foundation, the non-profit arm of PROG Holdings, Inc. created to improve lives by increasing access to technology, education, and development that enhances socioeconomic opportunity. More information on the PROG Development Center can be found at https://progfoundation.org/prog-development-center/.