PHOENIX–Desert Financial Credit Union has launched InvestED, a program offering full college tuition and professional certification coverage for all eligible employees beginning July 2020.
Through the program, which Desert Financial has launched in partnership with Los Angeles-based InStride and Arizona State University, the credit union’s employees can enroll in online undergraduate and graduate degree programs or certificate programs. Employees can select their own field of study, even if unrelated to their current position or the credit union’s function.
Desert Financial said InStride delivers customized strategic enterprise education programs, linking organizations to academic institutions committed to meeting the needs of adult learners.
An ‘Incredible Benefit’
“Our employees invest their time and talent into Desert Financial, and we’re returning the favor by investing in their growth and development,” said Jeff Meshey, President and CEO at Desert Financial. “As a lifelong learner myself, I want to encourage our employees to pursue career advancement, hone their skills or even change direction. We’re thrilled to partner with Arizona State University and InStride to help us navigate this incredible benefit for our employees.”
According to the credit union, InvestED degree and certificate programs will be offered online through InStride’s partnership with Arizona State University (ASU). Desert Financial employees who are inadmissible to ASU will have the opportunity to start with an earned admission program in advance of pursuing their degree, the CU added.
After just 90 days of employment, all full-time employees are eligible to enroll, “further fostering a culture of learning, growth and community engagement.”
What’s Available
The program offers:
- 100% tuition coverage, paid directly on behalf of the learner
- More than 200 undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs
- 100% online classes for maximum flexibility
The $5-billion Desert Financial has more than 330,000 members.