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One year ago, Walmart put together a $1 billion plan to help employees expand their skill sets and advance in their career paths. This week, the Fortune 500 company made progress toward meeting its overall goal. Beginning this August, Walmart will expand its Live Better U program by covering 100% of tuition and book fees for all associates.
“We are creating a path of opportunity for our associates to grow their careers at Walmart, so they can continue to build better lives for themselves and their families,” Lorraine Stomski said.
“This investment is another way we can support our associates to pursue their passion and purpose while removing the barriers that too often keep adult working learners from obtaining degrees.”
Walmart will not be taking on this commitment by itself. Moving forward, Johnson & Wales University, the University of Arizona, the University of Denver and Pathstream will work with Walmart to support the educational endeavors of Walmart employees. Institutions like Brandman University, Penn Foster, Purdue University Global, Southern New Hampshire University, Wilmington University and Voxy EnGen have previously taken part in the Live Better U program and will continue to do so. Through the expanded Live Better U program, employees can pursue a variety of college degrees and certificates that help further their career aspirations.
“We’re also excited to add in-demand college degree and certificate options in business administration, supply chain and cybersecurity. These additional offerings join a robust catalog of programs to set associates up for new career opportunities,” Stomski added
“Our education offerings tie directly to our growth areas at Walmart, and what better way to fill the pipeline of future talent than with our own associates.
The good news does not stop at Walmart. Employees at Sam's Club, which is owned by Walmart, will also have an opportunity to further their education at no cost. All interested scholars can begin to enroll in the program beginning August 16.
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