San Diego, CA (April 7, 2026) – Creating Coding Careers has signed a collaboration agreement with Western Governors University (WGU) to expand access to flexible, accredited higher education pathways for learners advancing in the technology sector.
Overview
Through the collaboration, Creating Coding Careers participants will have the opportunity to pursue bachelor’s degrees and professional certificates through WGU’s online, competency-based model. Eligible learners may also apply for WGU’s Partner Connect Scholarship, valued at up to $3,500.
The collaboration comes as San Diego’s innovation economy continues to grow across defense, healthcare, and cybersecurity—driving demand for skilled talent that outpaces current supply. Regional projections estimate that approximately 20,000 new skilled workers will be needed annually by 2030.
Leadership Perspective
“Our impact is not just in the number of individuals we train, but in the systems we help align to scale apprenticeships effectively,” said Mike Roberts, Founder and CEO of Creating Coding Careers.
“By partnering with WGU, we are strengthening the infrastructure that connects education and employment.”
Impact to Date
Since 2020, Creating Coding Careers has:
- Served more than 3,800 pre-apprentices
- Trained nearly 2,000 ServiceNow administrators
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Supported placements at companies including:
- Meta
- Microsoft
- ServiceNow
- Achieved an average salary increase of $27,000 for participants post-completion
Partner Perspective
“This collaboration ensures that learners don’t have to choose between gaining skills and earning a degree,” said Rick Benbow, Regional Vice President, West at WGU.
“It creates a flexible pathway for individuals to continue advancing as workforce demands evolve.”
Learn More
- Creating Coding Careers: cccareers.org
- WGU: wgu.edu
About Creating Coding Careers
Creating Coding Careers is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization operating since 2020, dedicated to redesigning how regional partners source talent and structure apprenticeship pathways.
By leading with a “Humanity Practice,” CCC prioritizes:
- People over profit
- Purpose over prestige
As a U.S. Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship intermediary with nine registered occupations, CCC serves as a critical bridge between:
- Employers
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
The organization works to:
- Break down barriers to entry
- Expand economic mobility
- Build scalable, repeatable apprenticeship infrastructure
- Develop the next generation of ethical, community-driven technologists
About WGU
Western Governors University (WGU) is a nonprofit institution focused on expanding access to education and opportunity.
- Founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors
-
Built on the belief that:
- Talent is universal
- Opportunity is not
WGU is a tech-enabled, competency-based university that delivers:
- Affordable, high-quality education
- Workforce-aligned programs
- Flexible learning pathways
Its model supports:
- Career advancement
- Economic mobility
- Workforce readiness for a rapidly evolving economy
Media Contact
- Email: info@cccareers.org
- Newsroom: cccareers.org/news