CSI, WGU Align to Help Students Buck Alarming Trend
Release Date: Tuesday 2024-03-19
College of Southern Idaho, Western Governors University Align to Help Students Buck Alarming Trend
Partnership provides guaranteed scholarships and admission to CSI grads
TWIN FALLS, Idaho (March 19, 2024) – Though four out of five community college students across the nation say they want to earn a bachelor’s degree, only 16 percent achieve that goal within six years. In Idaho, that percentage is just 11 percent – and 10 percent among low-income learners. That’s according to complementary reports published by the Community College Research Center, Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, and National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
College of Southern Idaho (CSI) and Western Governors University (WGU) have partnered to ensure more students in the Magic Valley defy that trend and achieve their education dreams. CSI has agreed to join WGU’s Onward With Learning (OWL) transfer program. Leaders from both institutions made that announcement during a ceremony today on CSI’s Twin Falls campus. CSI is currently the only school in Idaho involved in OWL – and one of just 23 nationwide.
"This partnership with WGU is a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Dean Fisher, president of CSI. “It aligns with CSI’s mission to not only provide quality education but also to create pathways for continued success and career advancement. Our students will now have greater opportunities to achieve their dreams of earning a bachelor's degree in a flexible and supportive online environment."
OWL is a groundbreaking initiative designed to provide seamless academic pathways for students to complete their associate degree and guarantees admission into specific majors at WGU. The program focuses on early engagement and preparation to ensure students are successful both at CSI and then at WGU. It also promises CSI graduates admission into WGU and guarantees them a $3,600 scholarship.
The full list of benefits to CSI students who enroll in the OWL program includes:
- Placement on an academic path that ensures maximum credit for the coursework completed at CSI with their associate degree.
- Help from advisors at CSI and WGU monitoring progress and ensuring all necessary requirements for enrollment at WGU are met, including course selection and GPA requirements.
- A guaranteed scholarship to WGU worth $3,600
- Guaranteed admission to one of 19 programs at WGU – or simplified access to apply to another WGU program.
- Free access to specially designed transfer courses throughout their program to ensure they are prepared to attend WGU.
- An invitation to join the WGU Night Owl community.
- Regular communication from WGU during their time at community college.
To learn more about WGU’s OWL program and its benefits for CSI students, click here.
“Like CSI, WGU recognizes the diverse needs and identities of contemporary students and wants to do all it can to help them succeed,” said Ismar Vallecillos, WGU’s regional director of operations. “Many want to graduate from CSI and go on and earn a bachelor’s degree from a university. Despite the national trend, the agreement between our schools will set students on a path to success and remove barriers that might otherwise hinder their progress.”
WGU's online, competency-based model offers learners flexibility to balance their studies with work, family, and other commitments. OWL enhances their overall student experience by providing tailored transfer pathways, scholarship opportunities, and a smooth transition for CSI graduates.
“Our university has had a long, successful relationship with CSI – and their alignment with the OWL program is another massive step in our shared effort to serve students in southern Idaho,” said Mary Hendrick, WGU’s director of community college partnerships. “On behalf of WGU, I want to thank CSI for their partnership and look forward to helping more CSI grads earn university degrees.”
Both CSI and WGU have track records of making the path to postsecondary degrees more manageable. In 2021, CSI and WGU struck an agreement offering a generous transfer credit policy to current and future CSI alumni enrolling at WGU. That pact also extends eligibility to CSI alumni and employees to apply for the WGU Community College Partnership Scholarship, valued up to $2,500. Additionally, both schools are approved Idaho LAUNCH institutions. Idaho LAUNCH is a grant program launched by Gov. Brad Little and the state legislature that provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000.
About College of Southern Idaho:
Established in 1965, the College of Southern Idaho is a comprehensive community college offering a wide range of transfer and career-technical education programs along with workforce training opportunities throughout its service region. CSI is committed to giving students a jump start on achieving their educational goals, as more than half of CSI students are still in high school and are participating in dual enrollment opportunities. The college also contributes to the quality of life in the Magic Valley by offering various cultural, enrichment, and athletic events, and through its support of economic development. In 2021, CSI became Idaho’s first public Hispanic-Serving Institution.
About Western Governors University:
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves nearly 175,000 students nationwide and has nearly 325,000 graduates in all fifty states. Driving innovation as the nation’s leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In just 25 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today’s rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.
Contact Information:
Matt Hartgrave
College of Southern Idaho
Director of Marketing and Communication
208.732.6333
mlhartgrave@csi.edu
Jake Riddell
Western Governors University
PR and Communications, Northwest
206.512.0025
jake.riddell@wgu.edu