Governor Seeks Help For Internet Classes

Tue., May 18, 1999

From Staff

Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt has asked Congress for $8 million to boost the struggling Western Governors University.

The still-unaccredited virtual university acts as a broker for Internet and television classes offered by existing universities and businesses.

It was created with the support of 18 member states, and Leavitt was one of its biggest boosters. But since the school began operating nine months ago, it has had dismal enrollment.

Western Governors University has about 20 full-time employees and operates on about $12 million in donations from private industry, plus $100,000 from each member state.

School officials say the federal money would fund curriculum development, additional staff and WGU guidance and testing centers in member states.

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