WGU launches Everywhere, TN Campaign focused on rural access to education

Online, competency based university offers scholarship to
students in distressed rural counties

NASHVILLE, TN – WGU Tennessee launched Everywhere, TN, a new campaign focused on rural access to education. The campaign aims to increase the number of students in rural counties and affirms the university’s commitment to expanding access to students and working adults who live in rural counties.

As part of Everywhere, TN, an accompanying scholarship is being offered to increase the number of students in the 15 counties identified as distressed by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The scholarship is available to students Lake, Lauderdale, Hardeman, McNairy, Perry, Wayne, Jackson, Clay, Grundy, Bledsoe, Fentress, Morgan, Scott, Hancock, Cocke, Haywood, Obion, Weakley, Carroll, Benton, Houston, Henderson, Decatur, Hardin, Lewis, Warren, Van Buren, Rhea, Meigs, Overton, Monroe, Campbell, Union, Claiborne, Grainger, Hawkins, Unicoi, Carter, and Johnson counties.

“Since our launch, WGU Tennessee’s mission has been to expand access to higher education for working Tennesseans, regardless of where they live in our state,” said Dr. Kimberly Estep, chancellor of WGU Tennessee. “With Everywhere, TN we are doubling down on our commitment to removing barriers and creating new opportunities for Tennesseans seeking to further their education. Increasing the education of our workforce, especially in these distressed or at-risk areas, helps not just our students, but their families, communities, and ultimately all of Tennessee.”

The Everywhere, TN Scholarship is valued at $3,000 and is open to students enrolled in any of the degree programs offered by WGU Tennessee including business, information technology, education, and health professions. Students can apply here. The deadline for applications is Dec. 31, 2019.

“WGU Tennessee was the right program for me because I can do it at home,” said Dustan Laxton, WGU Tennessee student who lives and works in Oneida, Tenn. “I really enjoy the accessibility of being able to get on a computer and accessing it anywhere. Having the option to go to WGU Tennessee in a rural county means people are finally going to realize their dreams.”

To learn more about WGU Tennessee’s Everywhere, TN campaign visit tennessee.wgu.edu/everywhere.

Published December 14, 2019