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The mechatronics engineering technology program on the Utah Valley University campus in Orem, pictured Monday, Jan. 9, 2017.

Courtesy Jay Drowns/UVU Marketing

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Nursing program professor Dr. Gary Measom mentors nursing student Abriel Rosenvall in the clinic simulator on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem on Monday, June 20, 2023.

Courtesy UVU Marketing

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Math tutors assist students in one of the various math labs located around the Utah Valley University campus Thursday, Sept. 4, 2014.

Courtesy Nathaniel Ray Edwards/UVU Marketing

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Accustomed to helping bring online orders to other people’s doorsteps, Amazon employees are now getting a gift of their own by way of a free education at Utah Valley University.

UVU was recently selected as an Amazon Career Choice partner, making it possible for Amazon employees to receive free tuition for certificates and bachelor’s degrees, based on an annual maximum benefit.

That benefit may not pay all that is needed for school (i.e., clothes, food and housing), but it does pay the schooling and gives employees a free hand up.

The program is available to hourly Amazon employees who have been employed for at least 90 days. Employees have access to the annual funds for education as long as they remain at the company, with no limit to the number of years they can benefit.

“Helping students achieve a long-lasting and beneficial career is at the crux of what we do at UVU,” said Wade Oliver, senior director of Adult Learner Support Initiatives at UVU. “Partnering with Amazon’s Career Choice program provides a tremendous tuition benefit for our students they might not otherwise have had access to.”

From aerospace technology to history, web design and music, UVU offers over 200 degree choices.

The program offers various education opportunities, including pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas and GEDs.

According to a statement, Amazon is investing $1.2 billion in the U.S. to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs.

“This initiative is a win for everyone, and we are thrilled to witness a truly transformative partnership between Utah Valley University and Amazon,” said Curtis Blair, CEO and president of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re looking forward to Utah Valley University coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, global program lead of Amazon’s Career Choice program. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere.”

More information about the Amazon’s Career Choice program is available at https://www.uvu.edu/success/amazon-career-choice/index.php or https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/workplace/career-choice.