INDIANAPOLIS, March 31, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Indianapolis-based nonprofit USA Funds® has signed an affiliation agreement with Education at Work, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit that helps college students earn income, receive additional tuition assistance and gain valuable transferable skills that will enhance students' employability following graduation.
Since 2012, Education at Work has helped college students pay for their education and gain valuable skills by serving as customer service, sales and technical support agents for leading companies — such as a national retailer and large financial institution. Student-employees work 16-20 hours a week and can earn up to $15,000 through a combination of annual wages and $6,000 in tuition assistance to fund their education. In addition, the student-employees gain valuable skills — teamwork, communication, problem-solving and customer service — that enhance their employability.
"USA Funds' investment in Education at Work supports our focus on Completion With a Purpose, by providing students a more affordable path through college with a stronger connection to employment following graduation," said William D. Hansen, USA Funds president and CEO. "Education at Work helps students graduate without heavy student loan debt burdens, and equips them with skills that employers value."
Through its affiliation with USA Funds, Education at Work is expected to benefit from the optimization of its operations and expansion of the number of students supported; expansion and improvement of the career training, career placement, and other support services provided to its student-employees; and expansion of the communities in which Education at Work conducts its operations.
"I started Education at Work because I truly believe in the transformative power of education and wanted to help students graduate unburdened by debt," said Dave Dougherty, founder, chairman and CEO of Education at Work. "With USA Funds' support we will have access to a broader network of higher education institutions, client partners and government agencies that can be leveraged to help us serve a greater number of students in more markets."
About USA Funds
USA Funds is a nonprofit corporation that supports Completion With a PurposeSM, building a more purposeful path for America's students to and through college and on to rewarding careers and successful lives. USA Funds pursues its nonprofit mission through philanthropic activities and partnerships, policy research, and programs and services that enhance preparation for, access to and success in higher education. Learn more at www.usafunds.org.
About Education at Work
Education at Work is a Cincinnati-based nonprofit organization that hires college students as part-time customer service agents with flexible hours, on-site training and career engagement guidance. EAW's student-employees are eligible to earn up to $6,000 annually in tuition assistance on top of their base wages, if they maintain top grades while working. In addition to financial support, students learn first-hand responsibilities on the job, such as productivity, teamwork, commitment and accountability. Learn more at www.education-at-work.org.