Giving Compass' Take:

• Walmart created the Lifelong Learning program which now supports the Career Online High School that offers Walmart employee's family members the opportunity to enroll and obtain high school diplomas or career certificates. 

• What are the advantages and drawbacks of company-provided educational opportunities? 

• Read more about how Walmart rebranded their entire employee development program.

UpSkill America is an employer-led movement to expand opportunity for America’s workers and allow our economy and communities to thrive. As part of our mission to advance the upskilling movement, we are pleased to share the following news featuring one of our partners.

Walmart has expanded its partnership with Cengage, an education and technology company, to offer all associates and their benefits-eligible family members the opportunity to earn accredited high school diplomas and career certificates. Offered through Walmart’s Lifelong Learning program, Career Online High School (COHS) is designed to re-engage adults in education and is free for Walmart associates and eligible family beginning on the first day of their employment.

Walmart’s Lifelong Learning program provides associates access to no-cost or low-cost education programs including ESL, high school, career certificates, and the most comprehensive college credit for prior learning program in the country. The COHS program is part of Walmart’s overall upskilling strategy that integrates training, education, and workforce development efforts to create opportunity for associates and their families.

Students have up to 18 months to complete their courses and may be able to complete the program in as few as six months by transferring previously earned high school credits. Once enrolled, the Walmart Lifelong Learning COHS program pairs each student with an academic coach, who assists with developing an individual career plan, offers ongoing guidance and encouragement, evaluates performance, and connects the learner with the resources needed to demonstrate mastery of the course material.

Read the full article about Walmart’s Lifelong Learning program from Upskill America at The Aspen Institute.