Wal-Mart partners with APU for Lifelong Learning Program for employees

Part of American Public University System (APUS), APU is an online learning institution. It offers 70 undergraduate and graduate degrees in online format. This great initiative by Wal-Mart will make education more affordable and interesting for the workers.

According to a recent Wal-Mart survey, 72 percent of the 32,000 associates said that they would prefer online university rather than choosing other options.

As quoted by Bloomberg, Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman and U.S. stores chief, said in a letter to employees, “Our partnership with APU will not only help you build an even better life for yourself and your family, but will help put you ahead in your Wal-Mart career.”

Important features of Lifelong Learning Program
Up to 45 percent of credit will be received by the associates, who enroll themselves for Associate's or Bachelor's degree at APU. It will be based on what they have learned at Wal-Mart.

Nearly $50 million will be invested by Wal-Mart over the next three years to help associates pay for their books, prepare for college level work and complete their degrees.

“Our partnership with APU will not only help you build an even better life for yourself and your family, but will help put you ahead in your Wal-Mart career.” -- Eduardo Castro-Wright, vice chairman and U.S. stores chief to Wal-Mart employees

Besides this, the tuition fee will also be reduced by 15 percent. Thus, the fee for undergraduate program, which is $250 per credit hour, would become $212.50 per credit hour and graduate program for $300 per credit hour would become $255 graduate per credits.

The degrees and certificates attained by associates will help them even if they leave Wal-Mart.

APU feels honored
“We share Walmart’s commitment to enhance America’s competitiveness by helping to increase the number of working Americans with college degrees,” said Dr. Wallace E. Boston, Jr., APUS president and CEO.

“We are honored to be selected by a world-leading organization to promote to their associates the qualities and attributes that are central to our mission,” he added.

“APU is dedicated to providing an affordable, high-quality learning experience that is designed to equip graduates for career advancement and leadership in an increasingly competitive, knowledge-based economy. We look forward to welcoming Wal-Mart associates to our university community,” Boston added.