FORT PIERCE — Accredited, online Western Governors University (WGU) and Indian River State College (IRSC) have strengthened their existing transfer partnership by introducing a new scholarship opportunity for IRSC graduates and employees.

The enhanced agreement, executed on March 31, 2025, presents the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship, valued at $2,500. The scholarship is available to IRSC graduates and employees pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees through WGU’s online programs.

Recipients will receive $625 per academic term for up to four terms, based on satisfactory academic performance. Tuition is around $4,000 per six-month term for most WGU bachelor’s degree programs. In addition to the new scholarship, WGU will continue to waive application fees for all Indian River State College graduates and employees who enroll. The transfer articulation agreement between the institutions ensures that IRSC credits seamlessly transfer to WGU’s online degree programs.

“This scholarship opportunity represents a significant enhancement to our existing partnership with WGU,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of IRSC. “By reducing financial barriers, we are making it easier for our graduates and employees to advance their education and career prospects.”

“We’re excited to enhance our partnership with Indian River State College by offering this dedicated scholarship,” said Dr. Kimberly K. Estep, southeast regional vice president at WGU. “This financial support, combined with our existing transfer pathways, makes continuing education even more accessible and affordable for Indian River State College graduates and employees.”

“This enhanced partnership with WGU creates valuable educational pathways for our Indian River State College community,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, Associate Vice President of Advising and Career Services. “The Community College Partner Scholarship removes financial barriers and opens doors to advanced degrees, ultimately empowering our graduates and employees to achieve their professional goals while balancing their existing commitments.”

WGU’s online, competency-based education model allows students to advance through coursework as they demonstrate mastery of the material, making it an ideal option for working adults. The university offers more than 80 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education, and health professions, including nursing. WGU has over 11,000 currently enrolled students in Florida and over 20,000 graduates in the state.