HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2026-4674
HR 4674
By Representatives Entenman, Berg, Thai, Zahn, Paul, Parshley, Simmons, Obras, Ryu, and Reed
WHEREAS, The State of Washington supported the creation of Western Governors University (WGU) in 1998 to provide access to affordable education and training opportunities through online, competency-based programs and pledged, along with 18 other member states of Western Governors Association, to take appropriate actions to create policies that support the goals of WGU; and
WHEREAS, Fifteen years ago this spring, the State of Washington established an innovative partnership with WGU to create WGU Washington, a first-of-its-kind legislative initiative dedicated to expanding access to affordable higher education for Washington residents through tech-enabled innovation and student-centered design; and
WHEREAS, WGU Washington provides high-quality, affordable, and career-aligned degree programs in sectors vital to our state's prosperity, equipping the nurses, educators, business leaders, and technology professionals essential for Washington to thrive in a competitive global marketplace; and
WHEREAS, WGU Washington serves as a primary driver toward Washington's educational attainment goal of at least 70 percent of Washington adults aged 25 to 44 achieving a postsecondary credential; and
WHEREAS, WGU Washington has achieved remarkable success in serving Washington's adult learners and underserved populations, including our veteran community, by providing high-quality, affordable pathways to degree completion, expanding options for transfer students, and directly addressing the state's most critical workforce needs; and
WHEREAS, The impact of this partnership is evidenced by its extraordinary growth, with enrollment surging from 850 students at its inception to more than 13,000 today; and
WHEREAS, This collaboration has produced nearly 50,000 graduates, establishing The Evergreen State as home to the third-highest concentration of WGU students and alumni in the nation; and
WHEREAS, WGU Washington remains committed to helping Washingtonians achieve their dreams of attaining a credential or degree and career success, and ensuring The Evergreen State remains a great place to live, work, and raise families;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives congratulates Western Governors University on its 15th anniversary in serving the students of Washington State.