Anthem launches free college degree initiative for Maine employees
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine announced Tuesday a new partnership with Southern New Hampshire University to make an associate’s or bachelor’s degree available at no cost for any of its eligible full- and part-time employees in Maine.
The new benefit is being offered through SNHU’S College for America, which partners with employers to offer a competency-based, online curriculum leading to a fully-accredited college degree. Approximately 900 employees work for Anthem Maine, which is headquartered in South Portland.
Anthem’s tuition reimbursement benefit will be available to any full- and part-time employee (who work 20 or more hours per week) and has been employed at the company for at least six months.
“Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine is committed to offering its associates a robust benefits package that goes beyond salary and health benefits,” Bill Whitmore, Anthem’s regional vice president of sales, said in a release announcing the initiative.
The Maine initiative expands the pilot program Anthem’s New Hampshire affiliate launched in January 2013 with SNHU’s College for America that initially offered the company’s New Hampshire employees the opportunity to pursue an associate’s degree. The pilot proved successful and College for America expanded it to include bachelor’s degree programs.
As many as 37 Anthem employees are pursuing associate’s degrees through the New Hampshire pilot program, with some continuing their studies in bachelor’s degree programs.
“We want to build on that success by providing opportunities for education, development and career advancement to all our associates here in Maine,” Whitmore said.
SNHU President Paul LeBlanc characterized the university’s partnership with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Maine as “a model” that enables Anthem workers to gain the skills they need for promotion while also earning a degree without taking on debt.
Anthem’s eligible Maine employees can apply directly to College for America beginning today at http://go.collegeforamerica.org/Anthem.
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments