BLUEFIELD, Va. (WVVA) – Bluefield University and GigaBeam Networks announced on Friday that the two are collaborating to establish a new scholarship to students who are GigaBeam customers and also attend online classes at Bluefield University.
Those on both sides of the new partnership say they’re hoping the initiative will encourage people to gain internet access while getting educated at a competitive rate.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity for rural Appalachia and rural parts of Virginia and southern West Virginia that we serve. To have that opportunity, to have not only the access to broadband services into their home but also to have a more affordable option back to Bluefield University to the great educational programs they have,” said Eric Workman, chief strategic officer for GigaBeam Networks.
Workman says the new initiative has been in the works for several months. The university’s president, Dr. Steve Peterson says the scholarship can cut online student’s tuition between 18 and 24 percent depending on their level of study.
“Our missions align and this is an example of when you take two organizations who are in different verticals or different spaces,” said Peterson. “You come together because you have alignment with mission and that is to serve the region around Bluefield University to make sure we’re providing not only education but access to education.”
Workman believes the partnership with Bluefield University may be one of a kind. The new scholarship will be available to online students starting next spring.
Workman says online students at Bluefield University that are looking to take advantage of the new scholarship should reach out to the school’s financial aid office.
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