New State Grant to Help Ohioans Finish Their Degree

Applications are currently being accepted by Ohio’s colleges and universities for Ohio’s new Second Chance Grants, aimed at helping more adults return to school to complete their degrees. Western Governors University Ohio is encouraging adults to sign up before the funds run out and says that the online university’s enrollment system is fully programmed to accept Second Chance Grants to make the process easy and seamless for students.

“Ohio’s economy is strong and job opportunities are everywhere, especially for Ohioans with the skills employers are really seeking right now in health care, computer technology and advanced manufacturing," said WGU Ohio Chancellor Dr. K.L. Allen. "The Ohioans who are best positioned for these opportunities are those who already have some of their degrees under their belts. Now they can finish up those degrees with major contributions from Ohio and WGU can help make it happen quickly thanks to our at-home, online model and because we work with all major tuition assistance programs like Second Chance.”

Ohio’s new “Second Chance Grant” provides 1,500 Ohioans $2,000 grants to restart their college careers in order to obtain a degree or credential. The number of Ohioans potentially eligible for the Second Chance Grant is large—approximately 1.3 million. This is almost twice as many students who are actually enrolled in Ohio colleges.

WGU’s proven online, competency-based model is tailor-made for Second Chance Grants students—often older students with other obligations, like full-time jobs, families, or both. Students can learn from the convenience of their homes, at the times that are convenient for them and advance at their own pace as they master their program’s educational material. More than 4,400 Ohioans are currently enrolled in WGU Ohio degree programs where they are studying in-demand programs like nursing and other health care professions, business, teaching and information technology.

For more information on Second Chance Grants, visit www.ohiohighered.org/second-chance. More information about WGU Ohio’s programs can be found at www.wgu.edu/ohio.