104,000 full time and part time associates have participated.

Just about five years ago, Walmart
WMT
initiated an education program for all associates – full and part-time – and over 104,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club associates have participated in the Live Better U program since that launch.

Walmart covers 100% of the cost of tuition and books; an offer extended to all associates starting on the first day they work for the company. A partnership with education provider Guild offers everything from high school completion programs (GED) to a college degree as well as other academic programs from the nation’s leading academic institutions.

Live Better U has evolved of the past five years. The leadership team learned its lessons and paid attention to associate feedback. As a result, there are now more than 70 programs offered. In addition, the initial $1 daily fee was removed by Walmart and that action increased enrollment by +66%. The company also added a program in the supply chain area.

The next step will be to roll out this program for associates in Canada.

In June, Walmart will welcome members from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville as one of the education partners which will grant three supply chain management degrees in areas such as purchasing fundamentals and data science.

“The University of Arkansas is thrilled to partner with Walmart and Guild to provide associates in our home state, and across the country, access to transformational learning programs to help advance their careers”, said Charles Robinson, chancellor of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

Guild management echoed this sentiment. “Walmart has been a trailblazer in creating career opportunity, helping employees across the country”, said Rachael Romer, CEO and co-founder of Guild. She went on to say, “Over the past five years, our partnership has provided associates with life-changing access to education, skilling, and career mobility, helping to propel their personal and professional growth at Walmart. We are inspired by the impact we have made together through Live Better U and all the potential the future holds”.

Each week about 230 million customers and members visit Walmart’s more than 10,500 stores and numerous e-commerce websites under 46 banners in 24 countries. The Bentonville, Ark. company employs about 2.3 million associates worldwide. Walmart is number one on Progressive Grocers 2023 top food and consumables retailers in North America.

POSTSCRIPT: Walmart’s effort to boost associates’ earnings and career options through education is noteworthy. It is a unique way for management to demonstrate that it cares for associates. It is laudable since it includes all workers who now have a chance to advance themselves. A better educated employee is a win for everyone involved; the associate will have better career prospects, the company will benefit from a team more qualified to serve customers and meet company objectives, and customers will ultimately have a better shopping experience –and all of that drives future success. It will also bring innovative ideas to the company. Walmart management must be congratulated for being a leader in retail education.