KFC announces employees in Greater Lafayette can go to college for free
LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Employees at Tippecanoe County’s three KFC restaurants will soon have the opportunity to further their education for free, thanks to the partnership between the KFC Foundation and Western Governors University.
Last week, the KFC foundation announced that KFC restaurant employees who attend WGU to earn their bachelor’s or master’s degree online can receive 100 percent of their tuition paid as long as they are in good standing at a participating KFC restaurant.
In order to be eligible for tuition coverage, an employee must have graduated from high school or earned the high school equivalency/GED; and either be a restaurant general manager, assistant manager, shift supervisor or team member in good standing at a KFC restaurant participating in the KFC Foundation’s Annual Franchise Donation Program.
To continue receiving 100 percent of their tuition coverage at WGU through the KFC Foundation, an employee must stay employed and stay in good standing at a participating KFC restaurant. Employment will be verified at the beginning of each six-month term.
“Every year we look for new ways to support and enhance the lives of KFC restaurant employees,” said Emma Horn, executive director of the KFC Foundation.
“What better opportunity to be able to offer team members than a flexible college degree program from Western Governors University that can fit seamlessly into their schedule. The program at WGU is perfect for someone who may not have enough hours in the day to balance a traditional college experience on top of a full- or part-time- job and other life priorities.”
Employees will have access to this opportunity starting from their first day on the job.
To ensure that employees can take advantage of this new program, WGU offers rolling start dates every month, which gives employees the flexibility to enroll at any time and begin online courses as soon as they’re ready.
Western Governors University is an accredited online university dedicated to making higher education accessible to as many people as possible.
WGU offers around 60 different bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and certification programs across its Business, Information Technology, Education and Healthcare schools.
“Talent exists within every individual but the keys to unlock it can vary for each person,” said Scott Pulsipher, president of Western Governors University.
“Tens of thousands of KFC restaurant employees across the country can now further advance their lives, and that of their families and communities, by accessing and completing education programs that are relevant and personalized. I’m thankful that the KFC Foundation has entrusted WGU as its education partner to expand pathways to opportunity for KFC employees.”
KFC restaurant employees interested in the WGU program can go to Kfcfoundation.org/wgu to learn more. Those interested in working at a KFC restaurant can visit kfc.com/careers for more information about available job opportunities in their area.
Noe Padilla is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. Email him at Npadilla@jconline.com and follow him on Twitter at 1NoePadilla.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: KFC to pay for West Lafayette and Lafayette employees' college tuition
