Graduate Memphis (GM) recently launched a community outreach program to engage Memphis Metro Area employers in closing skills gaps and investing in human capital. The program goal is to provide on-site presentations and/or comprehensive advising services to adults who desire to go to college, at no cost to the employer or employee.  This program is one way employers can show support of employees gaining higher education whether it is a technical certification or two and four year degrees. Read on for how you can help.

If tuition reimbursement dollars are available, the program ensures more effective deployment of those dollars by making recommendations for the employees’ overall success in obtaining higher education. If there is not a tuition reimbursement program, GM advisors walk students through the financial aid process.  Students need to know how much money is available in order to select programs they can afford.

Employer support of personal and professional development decreases turn-over and increases retention.  In a white paper released by Corporate Voices for Working Families, CVS Caremark gained 179% Return On Investment (ROI) by actively supporting associate professional development. According to a recent workplace forecast performed by the Society for Human Resource Management, 75% of employers are concerned about skills gaps over the next five years.  Only five percent are addressing the matter.

At a recent Health Fair sponsored by Cummins Mid-South, L.L.C., 18 of 36 employees who stopped by the Graduate Memphis Community Outreach table to learn more registered for the service.  The program is averaging just over a 20% enrollment rate of employees who receive exposure to the program.

Would your company be interested in hosting a session with Graduate Memphis? Contact Julieanna Walker at [email protected] or by calling 901-278-0016.