“'We are extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with New Charter University. Given the innovative features of their model and the cutting edge technology that UniversityNow has developed, we view this as a unique opportunity for Santa Rosa Junior College to develop programs that address the challenges our students face,' said Santa Rosa Junior College President Frank Chong."

"[UniversityNow CEO Gene] Wade estimates that there are several hundred thousand working adults in the Northern California region who may be eligible for employer-paid college assistance, and that some meaningful number of them are either taking out loans to supplement their employer-paid assistance or not getting an education at all now, in some cases because they don't believe their employer-paid assistance will cover enough of their tuitions. Under this arrangement, he said, they won't pay anything out of pocket. 'They just got a ticket to college -- it's free now,' he said."

"UniversityNow has gained a following for its approach to solving the college tuition program: a competency-based education platform that offers low-cost degrees through two accredited online schools... But UniversityNow is going a step further, making it possible for a significant portion of the working adult population to get a degree from New Charter or Patten University for free."

"Workers in Oakland, [Sacramento] and San Francisco have a chance to earn free college degrees online, if their companies agree to help out...UniversityNow is announcing a free undergraduate business degree through one of its two universities, books and materials included... The school's offer is more than a marketing strategy... Working adults too often are left out of discussions about higher education, the need for more highly skilled workers and the crippling student loan debt."

"Through College Works, UniversityNow is limiting the full cost of tuition and books at its schools to each worker’s tuition assistance benefit, regardless of the amount. The combination of an employer’s existing tuition assistance plan and the College Works Scholarship Program covers the entire cost of an online degree program at a UniversityNow school of the individual’s choice."

"Said Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson. 'I am excited that UniversityNow can offer Sacramento City residents and workers access to its quality online degree programs, cutting-edge learning platform and committed faculty -- at no cost to the student.' "

Full press release: UniversityNow Announces College Works Scholarship Program

To sign up, visit: www.unow.com/collegeworks