WGU Helps NYC Schools Build Critical Teacher Pipelines

SALT LAKE CITY, February 11, 2026 —WGU announced today that more than 2,000 employees of Consortium, Internationals, and NYC Outward Bound Schools now have access to scholarship-supported educational programs, providing them with a pathway to upskill and advance their careers.

Based in Brooklyn, Consortium, Internationals and NYC Outward Bound Schools (CIOB Citywide) collectively serve 44,000 students in New York City. The three school systems are part of the New York City Education Department, which oversees 34 districts and more than 900,000 students — making it the largest public school system in the country.

“NYC schools are facing urgent demands for more certified, well-prepared teachers,” said Jeff Borden, senior vice president and dean, WGU School of Education. “This partnership allows us to directly support the dedicated professionals already working in these schools by giving them affordable, flexible options to grow their careers and help close the city’s teaching gap.”

Eligible employees may apply for two different scholarships from WGU:  WGU’s K–12 Partner Scholarship, valued at up to $3,500, and the NYC Educator Partnership Scholarship, valued at up to $5,000. The scholarships are designed to support employees in pursuing flexible, competency-based bachelor’s and master’s degree programs designed for educators at all stages of their careers.

“We are committed to helping our educators advance their skills so they can better support the extraordinary students we serve,” said Superintendent Alan Cheng. “WGU’s flexible programs and scholarship support provide meaningful opportunities for career growth, which ultimately strengthens our schools and our communities.”

Meeting a Critical Need for More Educators in New York City

New York City is preparing for a substantial increase in teacher demand as the city implements class-size reduction mandates. City officials estimate that more than 3,700 additional educators will be needed by 2027 to meet new caps of 20–25 students per classroom. At the same time, persistent staffing shortages have made recruiting and retaining qualified teachers — particularly in high-need schools — an ongoing challenge.

WGU’s educator preparation programs offer an accessible pathway for paraprofessionals, instructional support staff and other school employees to earn degrees, obtain licensure and advance into teaching roles in all 50 states. The university’s online model enables students to study at their own pace, making it easier for full-time employees to pursue higher education without stepping away from their work.

Supporting Educators in Diverse and High-Need School Settings

CIOB Citywide schools serve some of New York City’s most diverse student populations:

• Consortium Schools uses performance-based assessments grounded in literacy, research, scientific inquiry, and mathematical problem-solving.
• International Schools support newly arrived immigrant students from more than 130 countries, speaking more than 100 languages.
• NYC Outward Bound Schools emphasizes rigorous academics, character, community and equity, particularly in historically underserved neighborhoods.

About CIOB Citywide

CIOB Citywide is dedicated to transforming public education through a personalized, student-focused pedagogy that empowers learners for the future. This district of 51 high schools encompasses the Consortium, Internationals, and NYC Outward Bound Schools and serves approximately 22,000 diverse students. The district champions a forward-thinking educational model that shifts how students learn by prioritizing authentic experiences grounded in the real world, where students build portfolios to showcase skills rather than just grades. By prioritizing inclusive strategies that drive academic success for every learner, CIOB Citywide prepares students not just for college and careers but to be engaged citizens ready to shape their communities.

The Three Core Partners

• The New York Performance Standards Consortium challenges traditional standardized testing by promoting in-depth literacy, mathematical problem solving, scientific application, and social studies research through performance assessments.
• Internationals Network for Public Schools specializes in serving newcomer immigrants by integrating language and content development through project-based learning for rapid academic language acquisition.
• NYC Outward Bound Schools combines demanding learning with an emphasis on community and character by utilizing field experiences, projects, and a Crew advisory model for holistic student support.