Illinois Retail Merchants Association is pleased to announce a new partnership with Western Governors University. This partnership will afford flexible and affordable educational opportunities that meet the needs of the retail workforce.
WGU, an online, nonprofit university, was established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education. WIth a special focus of preparing today’s workforce for the the rapidly changing economy, WGU will bring many affordable education opportunities to the IRMA membership.
“Providing growth opportunities for those who want them is important to IRMA and it’s members,” states IRMA President & CEO, Rob Karr. “WGU offers an affordable, easily accessible curriculum that is meaningful and vital to the growth of the retail workforce. We are pleased to partner with WGU to help strengthen the retail landscape in Illinois.”
“Western Governors University is thrilled to join as the first academic partner in IRMA’s Retail Partner Program as a supporter to the retail industry. Complementary to IRMA’s mission to stabilize and strengthen the Illinois economy by bolstering retail’s workforce needs, WGU is a pathway to employee advancement via upskilling and reskilling learner-workers, which in turn bolsters stronger and more stable communities and builds loyalty and higher employee retention for the employer,” stated Amy Shivvers, WGU Regional Manager, Strategic Partnerships.
Essential Worker Scholarship Opportunity: Currently, WGU is offering a focused scholarship program for essential workers. This scholarship, designated for those essential workers who have helped our communities through the pandemic, is valued at up to $3,000 towards any WGU bachelor’s or master’s degree in business, information technology, health professions or education. Application deadline is June 30, 2021. More information can be found here.
