Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) recently expanded its tuition reimbursement program with a new partner: Ashford University.
Ashford University is an accredited online university offering more than 80 degree programs in a variety of career-relevant fields, including health care, information services, business and more.
“We had several meetings to go over how things would work to ensure we understood the experience our employees would have and to make sure it was a good fit for both sides,” Ashley Leonard, BCBSNE payroll and human resources operations manager, said.
Ashford University’s flexible programs make it a great fit for BCBSNE. A unique aspect of the university is its course start dates. Rather than operating on semester or quarter-based scheduling, the university’s five to six-week classes start every few weeks, enabling employees to go back to school when it’s most convenient for them, Leonard said.
Ashford University adds to BCBSNE’s available tuition reimbursement opportunities, which remove some of the financial challenges that come with going back to school.
“It’s important for us as an organization to meet our employees where they are in their lives,” Leonard said. “Our employees are our greatest asset, and it’s important that we invest in them. The tuition reimbursement program and education partnerships are just one way for us to invest in our employees.”
BCBSNE employee Mallory Speck recently used BCBSNE’s tuition reimbursement program to transition from customer service to marketing. Speck earned her bachelor’s degree through Bellevue University.
“The tuition reimbursement program BCBSNE offers can remove roadblocks and help employees get one step closer to their degree,” Speck said. “If I had not taken advantage of the program, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
Enrollment in Ashford University is now open for eligible BCBSNE employees.
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