The City of Santa Clara is excited to offer the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree through Working Scholars® Fund. Working Scholars® Fund is a college pathway program designed around the needs of the working adult, with the aim of removing two of the largest barriers to a college degree – time and money. Through Working Scholars® Fund and the tuition reimbursement benefits already provided to City of Santa Clara employees, you may be able to obtain your college degree for little to no cost, with the added convenience of being able to study and take courses on your own time, from your computer and mobile device. 

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If you were unable to attend an in-person information session, please click here to view an online recording. 

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How Can I Participate?

Step 1: Let us know you're interested

Complete the application by March 19, 2020

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Step 2: Qualify

Watch for an email from your Success Coach with qualification instructions on March 30, 2020

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• Phase 1: Complete supplemental application

  • Personal statement​

  • Submit names of 3 people as personal support network

  • Submit prior transcripts (if applicable)

• Phase 2: ​Demonstrate ability to pass college course
  o    Activate your Study.com account
  o    Complete College Success Strategies (1-2 hr site acclimation)
  o    Complete Finance 102: Personal Finance (full college credit course)
   

Step 3: Candidate Evaluation and Acceptance

The City of Santa Clara will review all applicants who have successfully completed the qualification requirements and you will be notified if you have been accepted into the program.

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Here are the key dates to take note of:
•    March 19: Deadline to complete your application 
•    March 30: Begin qualification 
•    April 29: Deadline to complete qualification requirements
 

Taking Study.com Courses

1. Your coach will assign you courses 

2. You will receive a degree map that shows you all required course for your degree

3. Complete up to 30 courses on Study.com

4. You are required to complete at least one course every six weeks

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Transferring to Your Graduating University

1. Work with your coach for help transferring credits and enrolling

2. Complete additional credits needed online with the university

3. Graduate with your bachelor's degree

4. Receive on-going career support (job hunting, skills development, etc..) as an alumnus of the graduating university

 

How Much Does It Cost?

Each year of Study.com costs $2,000 which is covered by your existing tuition assistance plan. Costs associated with the graduating university vary and may exceed tuition reimbursement limits, resulting in some out of pocket cost

 

Eligibility Requirements

• Must have a high school diploma or GED

• 18 years or older

• Proof of employment

• Access to internet and computer

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More questions? Contact contact@workingscholars.org

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FAQs

I already have some college credits. Will they transfer into this program?

Yes! This program will accept Regionally accredited college credits to be applied to your degree. They may not all be applicable to your degree, but our team will review your transcripts and provide a degree map of what your previously earned credits will likely cover.

 

How long will it take to earn my degree?

The timeline can vary greatly depending on how much previous credit you are able to transfer in. Our average Scholar transfers in around 30 prior credits and typically completes 1 course every 6 weeks. At this pace with prior credits, you can complete your degree in under 4 years.

 

You said I can earn my degree from my phone. How is this possible?

All of the Study.com courses that you will take in the program can be accessed 24/7 through the Study.com mobile app. You can watch and read our lessons, and take quizzes, anytime. The only thing that cannot be completed on your phone is the final exam.

 

What degrees are available?

The following degrees are currently available:

• Business Administration

• Computer Info Systems

• Entrepreneurship

• Human Resources

• Humanities

• Liberal Arts

• Management

• Marketing

• Social Science

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We have several new degrees coming soon: IT, Computer Science, Psychology History, Criminal Justice.

 

You said I can earn my degree from my phone. How is this possible?

All of the Study.com courses that you will take in the program can be accessed 24/7 through the Study.com mobile app. You can watch and read our lessons, and take quizzes, anytime. The only thing that cannot be completed on your phone is the final exam. This must be completed on a desktop or laptop. 
 

Who are the counselors/teachers?

Study.com has a team of Success Coaches who are here to guide you throughout your academic journey. Your Success Coach, as your main point of contact in the program, schedules your courses, and even helps with the transfer process to TESU. Study.com courses are recorded lessons administered by subject matter experts.

 

Will employers recognize this degree?

Absolutely! Upon completion of this program you will have earned a regionally accredited bachelor's degree.

 

Who is Study.com?

Study.com is on a mission to make education accessible. Our focus is to simplify and accelerate learning and help people unlock opportunities for a better future. Study.com helps over 30 million students and teachers each month improve grades, gain career skills and earn college credit through our video-based micro-learning platform.

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When do classes start?

Study.com courses are asynchronous, so you can begin coursework anytime! There are no set days or times that you need to be logged in - you can make your own schedule that works for you!

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What if I am unable to complete my degree through Study.com/TESU?

Are my credits still worth anything? Study.com courses are approved for college credit though the American Council on Education (ACE) and The National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Credits earned on Study.com may be eligible to transfer to schools that accept ACE and NCCRS credits