16 Nov Kroger Expands Educational Partnership with Mount Vernon Nazarene
For the first time since the start of the Kroger educational partnership with Mount Vernon Nazarene University four years ago, over 20,000 associates working at 116 stores in Kroger’s Columbus Division are eligible for a tuition discount with the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Previously, only one store was included in this partnership.
“We care about our nearly half a million associates’ growth and development (company-wide), and we believe investing in education will support and encourage lifelong learning and reinforce our ‘come for a job, stay for a career’ opportunity culture,” said Heather Gray, Kroger’s Columbus Division manager of human resources. “We believe that making education benefits available to associates is the best way to support their future.”
In addition to the discount provided by MVNU, Kroger offers full- and part-time associates an employee education benefit through its Feed Your Future program. Each associate is eligible for up to $3,500 annually and $21,000 over the course of employment toward continuing education and development opportunities. Kroger also offers an educational leave of absence that allows associates to take time off work to focus on approved studies, while maintaining a role with the family of companies and their seniority.
“Kroger invests in their people by providing robust tuition reimbursement to all their associates, including those who work part time,” said Ryan Stagg, director of outreach and strategic partnerships for MVNU. “Kroger understands that an educated workforce thrives in a changing world and continues to be leaders in the industry.”
To learn more about developing an educational partnership with MVNU, email [email protected].