Target has announced that it is offering a debt-free education assistance program to its 340,000 US-based part-time and full-time workers for undergraduate degrees, certificates, certifications, free textbooks and more with no out-of-pocket costs on their first day of work at Target.
Beginning this fall, all part-time and full-time team members working in Target stores, distribution centers and headquarters locations in the U.S. will be eligible for debt-free assistance for select undergraduate degrees, certificates, certifications, free textbooks and more with no out-of-pocket costs on their first day of work at Target.
The debt-free offering will include an industry-leading 250 business-aligned programs from over 40 schools, colleges, and universities.
Target said it will also pay up to $10,000 a year for master’s programs.
The move comes as the retail and restaurant industries are struggling to find and retain employees. Many businesses have begun offering higher wages and better benefits as a result.
“A significant number of our hourly team members build their careers at Target, and we know many would like to pursue additional education opportunities. We don’t want the cost to be a barrier for anyone, and that’s where Target can step in to make education accessible for everyone,” said Melissa Kremer, chief human resources officer, Target. “Our team members are the heart of Target’s strategy and success, and we have a long history of investing in industry-leading pay, extensive benefits and career opportunities to help our team thrive and have rewarding careers at Target.”
Target’s Debt-Free Education Assistance
Team members will have options for assistance through a program that Target has been building for several months with education and upskilling platform Guild Education.
- Debt-Free Education: Target will support team members taking courses for high school completion, college prep, English language learning and select certificates, certifications, bootcamps, associate and undergraduate degrees. Team members can attend classes at more than 40 schools, colleges and universities, choosing from an industry-leading 250 business-aligned programs from Business Management and Operations to IT, Computer Science, Design and more. Team members who opt into this program won’t have any out-of-pocket costs and will have flexibility to find opportunities that fit with their interests, schedules and career goals. Academic institutions include the University of Arizona, Oregon State University, University of Denver and eCornell along with HBCUs Morehouse College, Paul Quinn College and more.
- Tuition Assistance: For team members pursuing educational opportunities outside of the select business-aligned programs within the Guild network of schools, including master’s degrees, Target will provide direct payments to their academic institution of up to $5,250 for non-master’s degrees and up to $10,000 for master’s degrees each year to reduce the burden of up-front, costly tuition payments.
- Educational Supplies: Target will also ensure that smaller out-of-pocket expenses and fees, such as textbooks and course fees, that may hinder team member participation, will also be covered at no cost to them.
Last month, Target rival Walmart announced it would pay full tuition and textbook costs for eligible employees, effective August 16.
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