Janice R. Andrews
Walmart celebrates the fifth anniversary of its education initiative, Live Better U (LBU), with noteworthy accomplishments, marking a significant milestone. The retail behemoth has saved its employees about half a billion dollars in tuition over the last five years, demonstrating its commitment to providing opportunities for growth and learning.
The firm pays 100% of the tuition and book costs for both part-time and full-time Walmart and Sam’s Club associates from their very first day, demonstrating its commitment to removing financial obstacles for associates. Walmart reveals intentions to extend LBU to associates in Canada and add the University of Arkansas as an academic partner, demonstrating that it is not content to sit back and enjoy its success.
Walmart has customized Live Better U over the years by paying attention to customer feedback and making constant improvements. This has led to an amazing participation rise when the program’s initial $1 per day associate fee was eliminated in 2021. With over 70 programs, the program currently offers courses in high-demand fields like supply chain management.
Live Better U is a program that supports associates at every level of their educational journey. It has relationships with 25 top universities and wants to include the University of Arkansas in its list of programs. Programs range from high school completion to college degrees.
With the acquisition of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, which grants bachelor’s degrees in general business, marketing, and supply chain management, among other subjects, Walmart’s connections to its home state should strengthen.
Charles Robinson, the chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, is enthusiastic about the collaboration and highlights the revolutionary prospects it offers to Walmart employees across the country.
Guild’s CEO and co-founder, Rachel Romer, commends Walmart for being a trailblazer in the creation of career pathways and emphasizes the tremendous influence of the five-year collaboration, which has given employees access to chances for skill development, education, and career mobility.
Walmart’s dedication to fostering a culture of learning and opportunity is embodied in Live Better U, which makes sure that all associates, irrespective of function, have access to resources for both personal and professional development.
