Walmart offers new technology degrees in its $1-a-Day College Program

 

POSTED ON Jul 03, 2019

 

Almost a year after Walmart launched its education benefit for more than 2 million employees, the retailer has announced that it is expanding its Live Better U program to include cybersecurity, computer science, computer and network security, and computing technology. The tech degrees and certificates will now be offered for a $1 a day in addition to business and supply chain degrees.

Walmart’s enhancements are designed to help remove barriers, as the cost of college often leads to costly student loans.

“Walmart values learning in all forms, and we are committed to creating a workforce of lifelong learners,” said Greg Foran, president and CEO of Walmart US in a statement. “Access to higher education is one way to grow your career. So, in addition to providing people with an entry to the workforce and access to our on-the-job training, I’m proud Walmart also offers programs like Live Better U to help them achieve their educational goals.”

According to the statement, the technology additions to Live Better U highlight the importance of Walmart’s digital transformation and emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to create career pathways both within the retailer and externally. Along with eligible Walmart associates, high school students will now have access to:

• Jobs with scheduling options for flexibility or core hours (work the same days and shifts for up to 13 weeks),
  Free ACT and SAT prep
• Up to seven hours of free college credit through Live Better U’s College Start program, and
• A debt-free college degree through Live Better U (upon high school completion) in the in-demand fields of technology, business or supply chain management at six nonprofit universities.

One of the largest employers in the United States, Walmart is looking to help young people find a job, and create a work experience that helps students as they transition into adulthood and a career. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 3.6 million students are expected to graduate from high school in 2018/19, including 3.3 million students from public high schools.

In the coming months, the company says it plans to add even more degrees and certificates in fields that will support both the growing Walmart business and demand in the overall U.S. workforce.