Back-to-school season is here, and while young people all over the state are returning to the classroom, WGU Washington is helping working-age men and women achieve their educational goals, too.

To smooth the way to higher education, the state-endorsed, online university has launched its Back-to-School Scholarship. WGU Washington’s goal is to award 25 scholarships, worth up to $2,000 each, to new students who are accepted to the university by the end of the year.

Candidates must have completed at least 20 college credits, previously be admitted to WGU Washington and apply by Dec. 31.

Applicants must also complete an essay on their motivation for returning to college and participate in an interview with a counselor.

To learn more visit http://washington.wgu.edu/tuition_financial_aid/scholarships/back_to_school.

WGU Washington, the local affiliate of Western Governors University (WGU), recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of its establishment. Nearly 9,400 Washingtonians are enrolled in either bachelor’s or master’s degree programs through the online university.

WGU Washington’s competency-based model is designed to meet the needs of adult learners and allows students to move quickly through material they already know so they can focus on what they still need to learn. Faculty members work one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support and individualized instruction.

Scholarships will be awarded based on academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study and competency.

WGU Washington was established in 2011 in partnership with Western Governors University to expand access to higher education for Washington residents.

The state-endorsed, online university offers more than 50 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, information technology, teacher education and health professions.