Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Thursday, June 16, 2016
(INDIANAPOLIS) - Comcast announced a groundbreaking partnership with Western Governors University Indiana (WGU), Indiana Wesleyan University, and Ivy Tech Community College that will pave the way for thousands of Hoosiers to start or return to college—and complete a degree or workforce certification.
More than a comprehensive college reimbursement benefit, which Comcast already offers its employees, the new partnerships allow Comcast employees to attend these three colleges without paying up-front, out-of-pocket tuition expenses. Instead, tuition will be deferred until the course is completed.
Comcast, with help from the Indiana Higher Education Commission, identified these three Indiana colleges as the best equipped to meet the needs of its roughly 2,500 Hoosier employees. The program addresses one of the biggest hurdles to returning to school - the upfront cost of tuition.
"Employers are in a great position to encourage Hoosiers to complete or continue their education," said Indiana Higher Education Commission Chairman Dennis Bland. "We need more companies, like Comcast, to forge college partnerships that benefit employees. That's why the State is offering an employer-match website and other tools through its You Can. Go Back. program to help more employers connect with Indiana colleges and explore potential partnerships and opportunities."
The Indiana Higher Education Commission today unveiled an online employer-match website (YouCanGoBack.org/employer) that assesses employer needs, provides useful resources and information, and connects them with Indiana colleges to explore partnerships of their own that benefit employees. The site supports the State's You Can. Go Back. program--an effort to send adult Hoosiers back to school to complete a college degree or workforce credential they started but did not finish.
"WGU Indiana has been privileged to work alongside outstanding corporate partners throughout the state, but Comcast deserves special recognition for investing so much in its employees," commented WGU Indiana Chancellor Allison Barber. "With the full support of their employer, I believe Comcast employees who take advantage of this offer will find WGU Indiana a convenient option for working adults in need of a bachelor's or master's degree."
Meeting the needs of the students is something that comes first for all of the partner schools.
"This partnership between Ivy Tech and Comcast opens doors for those aspiring to serve in leadership roles, allowing employees to get valuable degrees and certifications in fields such as technology, engineering and business administration," said Dr. Kathleen Lee, chancellor of Ivy Tech Central Indiana. "We love partnering with businesses, like Comcast, who are really investing in their employees and their communities."
"Indiana Wesleyan University has a long and rich history of educating the Hoosier workforce. We consider Comcast to be a valuable partner that enthusiastically embraces the value of education for its own community," said David Rose, Vice President of Indiana Wesleyan University. "Comcast should be considered a thought leader in promoting and valuing its employee's future and development. Indiana Wesleyan University is honored to work with this company and its team."
About Comcast Cable:
Comcast Cable is one of the nation's largest video, high-speed Internet and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand and also provides these services to businesses. Comcast has invested in technology to build an advanced network that delivers among the fastest broadband speeds, and brings customers personalized video, communications and home management offerings. Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is a global media and technology company. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
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