Dive Brief:

• A newly planned partnership between MGM Resorts International and the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) awaits approval from the school's Board of Regents to make education affordable and accessible for the company's employees. The collaboration will offer all employees online educational opportunities at no cost. The partnership aims to advance the work of the MGM Resorts Public Policy Institute at University Nevada Las Vegas, which examines the future of work in the U.S.
• The initiative, called the College Opportunity Program, is designed to help the individuals and the communities the company serves, according to Jim Murren, chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts. "As the American workforce continues to evolve, I believe in higher education as a pathway to the middle class," Murren said in a press release. "We are focused on reducing the financial burden on our employees while increasing access to professional growth opportunities."
• The company will increase its tuition assistance benefit in January and launch a new student loan repayment match program to assist employees in reducing their educational debt.

Dive Insight:

As another high-profile employer dolls out education benefits, the employer-financed education trend becomes even more distinct. Some companies, like Discover, are adopting degree-focused programs, while others have supported educational opportunities like ESL classes and high school equivalencies. Learning is fast being seen as a benefit as job seekers and employees continue to drive this tight employment market. More employers are offering educational opportunities as a recruitment tool, but they've found the benefit has other positive effects; Many see a return on their investment in employee engagement, productivity and retention. Their recruitment brands also see a boost, along with their standing within their respective communities.

Taco Bell recently announced its educational support program, provided through Guild Education, a swiftly growing name in the learning space. Guild has also teamed up with Disney and Lyft, among others. The company recently raised $40 million in capital to expand their reach beyond the current 2.5 million learners at over 90 universities and learning providers.