STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Success Stories
Partnering for Progress:
Real-World Wins from WGU Collaborations
Partner: JetBlue
Industry: Transportation
Charting a Smarter Course: How JetBlue and WGU Redefine Career Growth
About JetBlue
JetBlue® Airways is a leading U.S. airline known for its people-first approach, innovative culture, and dedication to crewmember development. Headquartered in New York City, JetBlue operates more than 1,000 daily flights and serves over 104 destinations across the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe. At the heart of JetBlue’s mission is to “bring humanity back to air travel,” which extends to investing in the personal and professional growth of its 23,000 crewmembers.
Advancing Crewmember Education
JetBlue had long provided educational benefits to support crewmembers completing their undergraduate degrees. As the needs of the workforce evolved, the company recognized a significant education gap:
- There was no formal pathway for crewmembers who already held bachelor’s degrees to pursue advanced education.
- Many employees sought graduate-level programs to support career advancement, but traditional options were often costly, inflexible, and misaligned with airline professionals’ schedules.
To foster a culture of continuous learning and stay competitive, JetBlue partnered with Western Governors University (WGU)—a nationally recognized, nonprofit, accredited online university known for its innovative, flexible approach to higher education.
A Strategic Partnership with WGU Takes Flight
In 2019, JetBlue launched a strategic partnership with Western Governors University (WGU), selecting the university for its regionally accredited master’s programs in business, information technology, and human resources. WGU’s competency-based education (CBE) model empowers JetBlue crewmembers to progress at their own pace, advancing once they demonstrate mastery—so they can gain new skills without pausing their careers.
This collaboration gave rise to the JetBlue Scholars Master’s Programaffordable, accessible, and career-aligned path to earn graduate degrees—without unnecessary debt or disruption to their job.
Margo Moaremoff, Manager, Academic Programs for JetBlue Scholars, highlights the alignment between WGU and JetBlue’s values: “WGU’s deep understanding of adult learners and commitment to flexible, competency-based education aligns with our workforce development goals.” She adds, “WGU collaborates with us to ensure our crewmembers receive practical education that supports both individual and organizational growth.”
Fueling Innovation and Commitment
Since launching the program, JetBlue has seen clear benefits. Graduates bring fresh skills that spark innovation, while master’s degree holders show higher levels of commitment and readiness to advance within JetBlue. Crewmembers gain the confidence and capabilities to take on expanded responsibilities and advance their careers within JetBlue.
“The asynchronous format was perfect for my lifestyle,”
Judy explains. “I even submitted assignments
from airports and hotel rooms.”
- Judith Sierra, Senior Analyst of Academic Programs for JetBlue Scholars
In the Words of a JetBlue Employee
For Judith Sierra (aka Judy), Senior Analyst of Academic Programs for JetBlue Scholars, the decision to enroll in WGU was inspired by her peers. “After hearing positive reviews from colleagues who are
alumni, I was inspired to enroll at WGU. Their success stories resonated with my aspirations for professional growth and continuous learning.”
Earning her MS in Human Resource Management gave Judy new tools and confidence. She credits the program’s flexibility with helping her balance work, life, and learning. Judy now applies her WGU education directly in her role. She adds that the program helped her better align the company’s HR strategies with business goals. “I have implemented data-driven measures that positively impact our department.”
Judy’s degree also reignited her passion for HR and JetBlue’s mission. “It strengthened my commitment to our culture. I am fortunate to work at an organization that truly values its people.” A self-proclaimed lifelong learner, Judy is already planning to pursue more credentials—and recommends WGU without hesitation.
“Crewmembers who complete master’s degrees through WGU
often continue their careers with JetBlue.
The opportunity to pursue higher education
while working fosters engagement.”
- Margo Moaremoff, Manager, Academic Programs for JetBlue Scholars
Conclusion
JetBlue’s commitment to developing crewmember talent led to its partnership with Western Governors University—an alliance that continues to advance workforce development and engagement. Together, JetBlue and WGU remove barriers to graduate education, empowering crewmembers to grow their careers while strengthening JetBlue’s future workforce.
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Contact WGU’s Talent Solutions team today to schedule a no-obligation consultation. Together, we’ll turn academic achievements into business-ready skill profiles you can trust—to unlock your company’s full potential.
"WGU continues to provide excellent support and customer service."
—Julia Williams
Human Resources Strategist, Office of Personnel Management
United States Government
