WHEREAS, Five years ago this spring, the state of Washington enacted RCW 28B.77.240, expanding access to affordable bachelor's and master's degrees for Washington residents through the creation of online, competency-based Western Governors University Washington (WGU Washington); and

WHEREAS, WGU Washington offers high-quality, career-focused degree programs in fields vital to the state's economy, including business, health professions, teaching, and information technology; and

WHEREAS, WGU Washington contributes to the Washington Student Achievement Council's educational attainment goal of at least seventy percent of Washington adults achieving a postsecondary credential by 2023; and

WHEREAS, WGU Washington has experienced an enrollment increase of one thousand percent since 2011, growing to more than eight thousand five hundred full-time students and making Washington home to more WGU students than any other state in the nation; and

WHEREAS, WGU Washington has awarded more than five thousand one hundred degrees to hard-working, motivated men and women, helping develop the business leaders, nurses, teachers, and information technology professionals needed to keep Washington's economy strong; and

WHEREAS, WGU Washington is committed to helping Washingtonians achieve their dreams for a university degree and career success;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate honor the fifth anniversary of WGU Washington, and recognize its important role in providing our state's population with high-quality and career-focused education.