Amazon Provides Workers With Pre-Paid Tuition To Union College

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Union College of Union County has entered into an education partnership with Amazon to join the "Amazon Career Choice Program."

Through this program, Amazon will provide its workers pre-paid tuition to attend Union College and learn "new skills for career success" beginning this fall semester.

Amazon employees are be able to enroll in all Union courses and degrees for this partnership.

The company now employs approximately 58,000 people in the state, making it the largest private-sector employer in New Jersey.

Amazon’s Career Choice program is "an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere."

Besides pre-paid tuition, the program provides workers with industry certifications designated to lead to in-demand jobs, as well as foundational skills, such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas and GEDs.

“We’re excited to be partnering with Union College to give our tens-of-thousands of New Jersey employees access to pursue the education path that fits their passions,” said Colin Newman, Director of Economic Development for Amazon.

“Whether employees are looking to finish their degree at Union College or build on their foundational skills, we’re prepared to meet our employees wherever they are on their educational journey,” Newman said.

According to Tammy Thieman, the Global Program Lead of Amazon's Career Choice Program, more than 90,000 Amazon employees around the world have participated in Career Choice.

Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party educators. Union College is one of more than 140 colleges and universities strategically selected for the educational partnership.

“Union is grateful for the opportunity to partner with Amazon and provide their employees with a first-rate education at a premiere community college which is focused on social justice,” states Union President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin. “This partnership can greatly impact lives and communities by providing Amazon employees the opportunity to work part-time or full-time and receive a degree at the same time. We are also making a positive difference for our state and economy.”

McMenamin said that Amazon previously donated $50,000 to the college to support Union students with scholarships to help ensure that their "economic status is not a roadblock to their academic success."

New Jersey State Senate President Nicholas P. Scutari, Union County Manager Ed Oatman and the Union County Commissioners were also involved in forging the partnership between Union College and Amazon.

Scutari is a lifelong Linden resident who attended Union College before transferring for more advanced degrees.

Have a news tip? Email remy.samuels@patch.com.