What if tuition costs came free with employment, like healthcare benefits?
Dr. Jayson Boyers, the president of Cleary University in Michigan, has been asking himself that question.
Last week, Cleary launched a new partnership with Team Schostak, a family-owned restaurant group, to provide free tuition for restaurant employees.
“We believe there are channels that can make education accessible and create less of a burden on student debt if employers, industry, colleges and universities work together,” Boyers said. “We both have a vested interest in the workforce that can build up these companies and these communities, so why not work together to create that pathway?”
Through their employer, workers at Team Schostak Family Restaurants can now pursue associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees tuition-free on Cleary University’s online platform. The Tuition Benefits Program is available to all employees – including part-time and hourly employees – working in nearly 200 restaurants in five Midwest states.
Like healthcare benefits, employees’ significant others, children and grandchildren are eligible for free tuition, as well. Students apply for federal grants, and any leftover costs are covered by the program, which is financed by the Team Schostak-Cleary partnership.
To participate in the program, a Team Schostak employee or family member must be employed at least six months, work at least 20 hours a week, have a good-standing job-performance rating, be approved by a vice president and meet university application requirements.
