A reputation as an innovator
In the world of higher education, Western Governors University (WGU) is a known innovator. Whether it’s WGU’s competency-based degree tracks or its personalized approach to online learning, the university, in its third decade, continues to be a pioneer in its mission to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity. However, like its school mascot, the Night Owl, WGU’s innovativeness doesn’t rest. As such, the institution wanted to find a more efficient and equitable way to disperse emergency aid, including the approximately $1 million it annually distributes to students from its Financial Support Fund, a safety net program designed to assist students who experience hardships.
Working with Beam
That’s what led WGU to partner with Beam, formerly Edquity, in March 2020. Similar to how WGU’s students can access online learning resources 24 hours a day, seven days a week to best fit their individual schedules, Beam's web- and app-based emergency aid application and off-the-shelf directory of community resources are accessible to students 24/7. According to Amanda Savage, Director of Scholarships at WGU, that level of student accessibility was key. “Our students live all over the country, so the app’s ability to share information about local social services is critical,” she said.
