Daytona State College recently partnered with Amazon to participate in the Amazon Career Choice program developed to provide accessibility to affordable education. By working at Amazon for more than 90 days, those eligible are able to have access to receiving skills in the English language, as well as receive high school diplomas and GEDs.
The Amazon Career Choice program launched in 2012 in the United States and was originally created to help hourly workers grow their skills through the program by providing industry training and certifications.
In 2022, the program was developed to include pre-paid college tuition, new industry certifications, courses to improve workers’ speech in the English language and high school completion programs.
Daytona State College is one of the new partners from Florida to join the Amazon Career Choice program. “Career Choice has a rigorous selection process for our education partners,” Jeff Bulanda, senior manager of Amazon Career Choice said. “ We select partners that are focused on helping employees through their education programs, along with additional resources such as job placement assistance, career coaching, and resume writing that lead to career success.”
After working for 90 days at Amazon, workers are able to participate in the program for as many years as they work at Amazon in a regular, full-time job position. Starting from day one employees are able to review their benefits within the program and create a unique plan that aligns with their personal and educational goals.
Bulanda said, “Associates are able to choose from more than 400 educational partners around the world to apply to, including community colleges, local and national colleges, HBCUs, and other skill training providers.”
Students can achieve their academic goals by participating in the Amazon Career Choice program. Bryce Malin, receiving his bachelor’s degree in accounting and a work-study student at DSC, said “No, I wouldn’t work at Amazon because I wouldn’t be able to get as flexible work hours and tuition isn’t a problem for me due to [the] Pell Grant.”
However, by participating in the program, employees are provided with a wide range of educational and skill training opportunities to achieve their career goals in three different paths, including the College Path.
The College Path allows workers to enroll in programs for associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and certificates or pursue a degree in any field. The program pre-pays tuition and reimburses books and fees, allowing many participants to earn their degrees and achieve their goals without the financial burden.
“Participants also have the ability to take classes virtually or in person, depending on their preferences and program availability,” Bulanda said. “Career Choice also partners with several hiring partners, staffing agencies, and Amazon recruiters ready to support skilled graduates securing their next role.”
To find out more information about how to participate in the Amazon Career Choice program as a Daytona State College student, click here.
Photo Credit: Anthony Wilmore.