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.
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.
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.