| As the demand for highly skilled workers continues to | | | | many companies also offer tuition assistance |
| grow, many companies are choosing to launch | | | | programs, which can enable working students to |
| educational programs that will help their employees | | | | choose their own campus-based or online college. |
| develop professionally. In fact, some organizations | | | | These programs can help students feel secure in |
| have partnered with schools online to make | | | | their choice to pursue a college degree, as they will |
| internet-based courses more accessible to their | | | | know that their employers are standing behind them, |
| workforces, including university degree programs. | | | | and that they will not accumulate a great deal of |
| For example, Blockbuster, the home entertainment | | | | educational debt as a result of their efforts. The |
| company, recently announced a collaboration with | | | | company may require that the employees stay with |
| Ashford University. The plan will help its employees | | | | the company for at least a year; they don't want to |
| pursue higher education in a convenient and | | | | pay for your education if you're going to use your |
| cost-effective manner. Through the partnership, | | | | newly earned degree to find another job. Tuition |
| individuals who work for the company will have the | | | | reimbursement programs may cover an entire degree |
| opportunity to take classes at a discounted rate and | | | | or classes related to your job. |
| may be able to apply previously earned credits to an | | | | Employers who are paying for a professional's |
| online degree program. | | | | education may also be more understanding during |
| Additionally, the company plans to offer college credit | | | | busy periods, such as midterms or final exams. |
| for some of its on-site training programs, which could | | | | Consequently, students who are able to participate in |
| put employees on the fast track to a college degree. | | | | these programs may feel more comfortable asking |
| Furthermore, these students will be able to apply | | | | for time off in order to complete their coursework. |
| what they are learning immediately, which could | | | | However, if a worker's schedule can't be changed, |
| improve their career prospects. | | | | online college may be a solution. |
| Many other companies are offering programs that | | | | Since online students can study at anytime, college |
| are intended to help their employees further their | | | | does not interfere with work. All assignments, lab |
| education. As a result, individuals who are looking to | | | | work and exams take place over the Internet so a |
| move up in their current companies may want to | | | | student can complete them at any hour of the day. |
| check if their employers offer such programs, and | | | | This means an employee can take a class or finish an |
| what steps they need to take to enroll. It's a way to | | | | assignment during their lunch hour or before they go |
| keep your job while you improve your education | | | | to work. |
| Because they see their employees an investment, | | | | |