New Balance Athletics, Inc. announced an agreement with Purdue University Global that provides a new tuition benefit program for its associates in the U.S.
New Balance is investing in its employees by providing a benefit that offers a tuition-free path to a college degree. Some degree programs are offered at no cost to the individual. Through this program, Purdue Global is the preferred online university option for eligible employees. A public, nonprofit online institution of higher education, Purdue Global offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, including business, information technology, cybersecurity, accounting and finance.
“New Balance is delighted to join with Purdue Global to bring this incredible educational opportunity to our associates,” said Erin Bentz, the company’s director of global talent. “We believe our associates will greatly appreciate the opportunity to secure a degree from such a prestigious university at no cost to them and from the convenience of their own homes. This will be perceived as a tremendous benefit.”
Many New Balance associates work at its five manufacturing facilities in New England and at its more than 90 company-owned retail outlets. The benefit includes paid tuition, waived application fees and even covers the cost of course textbooks and materials for undergraduate degrees.
Facilitated by Kaplan Higher Education as part of its operational support role, Purdue Global recently has formed partnerships to provide employee educational benefits with several companies.
“We’re proud to collaborate with an industry leader such as New Balance to expand educational opportunities for many more working adults,” said Dr. Betty Vandenbosch, chancellor of Purdue University Global. “We’re confident in our ability to provide an excellent student experience for employees and to support them in their journey to professional growth.”
Vandenbosch said Purdue Global is well-positioned to help employers of all sizes create education benefit programs to accommodate employees’ busy schedules. The programs are built on real-world requirements, enabling adult students to learn at their own pace and in many cases receive college credits for previous work experience.
