Life after graduating from WGU Texas in May 2014 has been filled with new adventures for Austin resident Jennifer Grube. She is settling into a new job as an education specialist for the Texas Real Estate Commission and most recently, Jennifer testified in front of the Texas House of Representatives Higher Education Committee. The committee was discussing House Bill 3027 that proposes the establishment of the Texas Competency-Based Education Grant Program. This program could provide WGU Texas students -- and other students attending online, nonprofit, and regionally accredited universities offering competency-based baccalaureate degree programs -- the opportunity to be eligible for financial assistance. Currently, WGU Texas students are not eligible for state financial aid in Texas.
“Pursuing higher education while working to further your professional career can be a real challenge,” Jennifer testified. “But I am proof that it can be done.”
Jennifer had been out of school for 20 years before she considered pursuing her M.Ed. in Instructional Design. She earned her master’s degree in two years, and during that time, Jennifer said she developed a strong friendship with her mentor, Sarah Black. The two keep in touch on a regular basis.
In closing, Jennifer shared her support of HB 3027 with committee members and said the funding could help more Texans earn their degree from WGU Texas, “My degree created a new path for me in my career. Based on my experience, I know that getting a degree from WGU Texas can be life-changing.”
HB 3027 is currently pending with the Higher Education Committee.
