Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has selected Springboard to offer tailored upskilling and reskilling programs through Live Better U, its education benefit program offered at no cost to 1.5 million employees in the U.S.
Springboard is an online learning platform preparing students for in-demand careers through comprehensive, mentor- and instructor-led programs. It plans to offer courses in data analytics, software development and data driven strategic thinking.
“Walmart is a leader in career-driven development and we are thrilled to partner with them to deliver high quality education to their associates,” said Gautam Tambay, CEO and co-founder of Springboard.
“Walmart and Springboard are both committed to ensuring that non-traditional students, regardless of their background, can build in-demand skill sets — helping them find new career paths, grow their earnings, and increase their economic security. Springboard graduates have earned over $1 billion in post-graduation salary since 2016, and this partnership will help us accelerate and extend that impact, which is particularly important in the current economic climate.”
Programs will be offered through Springboard for Business, which focuses on the development of employees at Fortune 500 companies through cohort-based, human-guided programs that combine one-on-one mentorship with live and instructor-led sessions. Walmart employees who complete these programs will receive practical experience and guidance in solving real-world problems through company-specific projects.
Walmart’s LBU Program was developed to empower upward career mobility and remove the barriers that often prevent people from accessing education. Since launch, more than 89,000 employees have participated in LBU and 15,000 have graduated. LBU participants have saved an estimated $333 million in college tuition costs to-date and the company’s commitment to expanding learning and career opportunities was recently highlighted by John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart U.S., in a note to employees.
The addition of these Springboard programs to the LBU offerings intends to boost the careers of Walmart and Sam’s Club employees through training in some of the most in-demand tech fields. Walmart will pay 100 percent of the Springboard tuition for those enrolled.
“We’re creating a path of opportunity for our associates to grow their careers at Walmart, so they can continue to build better lives for themselves and their families,” said Lorraine Stomski, SVP of associate learning and leadership. “We’re excited to add Springboard to our list of education partners.”
Enrollment for the new programs began earlier this year and classes will start in April.
To learn more about Walmart’s Live Better U program and for eligible associates interested in signing up, visit walmart.guildeducation.com.
To learn more about Springboard for Business and if interested in becoming an enterprise partner, visit learn.springboard.com/business.
