UMBC has entered into a partnership that will allow employees of Amazon to attend UMBC and expand their skills for free.
Since partnering with the Career Choice program in September, 10 local Amazon employees have been awarded a total of $38,300 toward their courses of study at UMBC, said Dale Bittinger, M.P.P. ’16, assistant vice provost for strategic undergraduate engagement, partnerships, and pathways at UMBC. The program has also made it easier for students who are working part-time at Amazon to stay enrolled at UMBC.
“As a U.S. News and World Report Best Value institution, UMBC remains committed to keeping college affordable,” said Yvette Mozie-Ross ’88, vice provost for enrollment management and planning. “Strategic partnerships with employers, like Amazon, that support and promote education and degree attainment, is one important way we deliver on this commitment.”
Admissions staff who recently attended their first Amazon Career Fair found a great deal of enthusiasm for the UMBC connection from Amazon employees who have been requesting this both for themselves and for their children, said Bittinger.
Afreeka Chambers, a senior majoring in biological sciences who also works full time as a fulfillment associate at Amazon, explained that the program has made her educational journey more accessible and fulfilling. She hopes to attend dental school after she graduates from UMBC.
“Thanks to Amazon’s Career Choice program and their partnership with UMBC, I’ve been able to pursue my degree with greater ease,” she said. “Being part of the Career Choice program has not only relieved financial burdens but also reinforced my commitment to personal and professional growth, aligning perfectly with Amazon’s dedication to empowering its employees to reach their full potential.”