By Senators Frockt, Bailey, Miloscia, Nelson, Habib, and Baumgartner
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.