• Walmart yesterday announced "the expansion of Live Better U (LBU) education benefits to include in-demand skilled trade and digital skills programs, beyond their traditional college programs … LBU is designed to support working adult learners and meets associates where they are on their educational journey by focusing on degree completion through a number of supportive elements, free student coaching, college credit for Walmart training, and career pathways for LBU graduates. Regardless of which path an associate chooses, those who take advantage of LBU have one thing in common – they are earning a degree or certificate along with a paycheck, without lifelong student debt."
The announcement goes on: "In just two years, Walmart has built one of the largest employer-based educational benefits programs in the U.S.
"The majority of associates who have engaged in a LBU program are female, the average age is between 30 and 40, and 47% are people of color.
"More than 25,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club associates from all 50 states have taken advantage of education offerings, including $1 a day college degrees and free high school completion. Walmart is expanding LBU to offer eligibility to all part- and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club associates starting on their first day of employment based on LBU’s results in driving associate retention and promotions."
