TUSD Staff Earn Degrees Through Reach Apprenticeship Degree

Fifteen Tracy Unified School District (TUSD) employees have earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies through Reach University’s Apprenticeship Degree program. Recognized by the innovative district in January, they are the first group to graduate through the partnership, which helps current staff members transform their jobs into degrees as they work toward becoming licensed and classroom-ready teachers.

How Does an Apprenticeship Degree Support Working Adults?

The partnership between TUSD and Reach University helps the district address teacher shortages that grew after many educators took early retirement during the COVID-19 pandemic. By supporting classified employees already working in the district, TUSD is helping locally-based staff members earn their degrees while enhancing impact and skills as they progress through Reach’s on-the-job program.

An Affordable Path to a Bachelor’s Degree for Working Adults

More than 40 employees have enrolled in Reach University since the program was introduced in 2023. For these graduates, the Apprenticeship Degree gave them a way to earn credit for the work they were already doing in their schools. It also offers an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree, with a maximum expected out-of-pocket cost of $900 per year and no student debt.

Affordable	Based in the Workplace	Credit for Learning at Work
An affordable path to a bachelor’s degree, with no more than $900 per year and no student debt.	The workplace serves as the campus, offering daily skill development, career exposure, and the immediate application of coursework.	Work already happening in schools counts toward the degree.

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