This exclusive program is available to invited learners from WGU’s Cybersecurity and Information Assurance program who have applied, met the eligibility criteria, and were selected by WGU.
Here’s what you need to know:
June 26, 2025 at 9:00 AM (MDT): Each selected learner will receive an email with an invitation to set up a Riipen account and join the WGU portal. Hit “Set password”, complete the fields and click ‘’Create account”.
June 27, 2025 at 9:00 AM (MDT): The program opens and you’ll be able to self-assign and choose your own project. Learners will work individually and self-assign to employer projects on a first-come, first-served basis. Each project can support up to five learners, each working independently in their own workspace. Once all spots are filled, the project will close for further selection.
June 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM (MDT): Final day to secure a spot. You must self-assign to a project by this date. To get started, explore these articles for guidance on important steps, such as starting a project and navigating teams.
Step by Step Guide to Beginning your project:
1. Click on your user icon in the top right corner of the screen, click on your username, and hit “edit profile” to make yourself stand out to employers. You can further personalize your profile by including a photo, your bio, and uploading your resume. This will be shared with employers when your team self-assigns to a project.
2. Once your profile is set up, select your program. Carefully read and sign the program agreements.
3. Once you’ve signed the agreements, the projects will be unlocked! You can view them on the program page.
4. Scroll down to view the projects.
5. To select a project, click on its title and review its content to ensure it’s a good fit for you. Once confirmed, click the "Join Project" button in the top right corner of the page. Note: this action is final, and the project you select is the one you will complete with your team—swapping is not allowed. Projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
6. Introduce yourself to the employer by highlighting why you’re a strong fit for the project and sharing a bit about your skills. Ensure that you complete the pre-survey, then click "Start Project" by the program start date.
7. 🎉 Your project has been selected successfully! 🎉
8. After starting the project, you can chat with the employer to schedule your kick-off meeting to get a better understanding of the project's deliverables.
9. In the "Upcoming Tasks" section, you can create personal milestones to stay on track. You’ll also see the final submission deadline, receive a prompt to provide feedback to the employer, and complete an exit survey.
10. Once you have completed all of the milestones, tasks, surveys, and your final submission, you will unlock access to a certificate of completion.
Final submissions may include multiple files. This could include files of the work, a detailed timesheet, or a comprehensive written summary of the work completed.
Once the submission has been made, the exit survey will be sent to the learner on the Riipen platform.
The certificate includes the project and company details along with the skills you displayed while completing the project. This certificate can be used to showcase the work you have completed on your various online portfolios such as LinkedIn or a personal portfolio.
11. When the project and surveys are completed, you will also have the opportunity to receive direct feedback and an endorsement from your employer, which you can share with your networks to support your future career path.