After working at Amazon for 3 months, Employees of a global retail giant can now attend North Carolina Central University for free.

This week, Central, North Carolina officials announced that the school has been selected as an “educational partner” for Amazon’s Career Choice Program. This allows hourly workers to enter the university and access undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs in over 140 disciplines and disciplines. From business administration to health science.

Amazon officials told NCCU leaders to expect about 25 students to enroll initially, according to a press release released by the school on Monday.

Tammy Thieman, global program leader for Amazon’s Career Choice program, said in the release that more than 80,000 Amazon employees around the world have already participated in Career Choice, “how it makes a difference in their lives. I have seen first hand how to change to

According to the release, NCCU is the first historically black college and university in the state to be selected as an Amazon Career Choice school.

NCCU President David H. Jackson Jr. said in a release that the partnership with Amazon is “a testament to the university’s appeal and commitment to all student scholars who support, train and empower their future careers.” I said yes.

“Amazon was able to choose any of the 11 HBCUs in the state to launch their Career Choice Program, and we are glad they chose us,” Jackson said. . “Amazon officials believe that North Carolina Central University will offer a flexible and unique suite of academic programs that combine local and global engagement opportunities, leadership development and career preparation, especially for non-traditional students. We are aware of this and look forward to further developing our relationship with Amazon.”

Launched in 2012, the program is an educational benefit that enables Amazon employees to acquire new skills for successful careers at the company and elsewhere.

“The program offers education through a variety of educational and upskilling opportunities, including prepaid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to high-demand jobs, English proficiency, and foundational skills such as high school diplomas. Meet individual learners on their journey to GED, according to the release.

Here in the U.S., Amazon is investing $1.2 billion in upskilling more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help them land higher-paying, high-demand jobs, the release said.

In short, NCCU people are delighted.

“This is a huge opportunity for us. Whenever we can serve as a preferred education partner for a large corporation, we work hard to make it happen. Few organizations can, and we are currently planning several virtual hiring opportunities for our employees.”

Kimberly Pfeiffer-McGee, the university’s vice president for long-term research and student services, said a small core group across campus had gathered to prepare for the first cohort of Amazon Career Choice students who will enroll this fall. I said yes.

Phifer-McGhee added that school officials predict that “probably a large number of Amazon employees will be taking online courses.”

According to the school’s press release, Amazon’s Career Choice Program has a “rigorous selection process for partner educators” and “selects partners who are focused on supporting employees through their educational programs.” At the same time, we will support “provide education that leads to employment and provide it holistically”. career success. “

“We are excited to have Central North Carolina University join Career Choice as an educational partner, joining the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Thieman. “We are committed to empowering our employees by giving them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers. , whether elsewhere.”

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Follow Durham staff writer Thomasi McDonald. twitter or send an email tmcdonald@indyweek.com.