Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University Selected as Amazon Career Choice Education Partners
Amazon’s Career Choice program provides pre-paid tuition for hourly employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere
(Arlington, VA – December 7, 2022) — Amazon is proud to announce that Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University are new Career Choice Education Partners, providing Amazon’s hourly employees access to undergraduate degrees and certificate programs.
Amazon’s Career Choice program is an education benefit that empowers employees to learn new skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. The program meets individual learners where they are on their educational journey through a variety of education and upskilling opportunities including pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs. In the U.S., the company is investing $1.2 billion to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025 to help move them into higher-paying, in-demand jobs. The program is open to hourly employees who have worked for the company for at least 90 days.
The Career Choice program launched in 2012 and is now live in 14 countries (Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Costa Rica, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, United Kingdom, and the U.S.) and works with more than 300 educational providers globally. More than 90,000 Amazon employees have participated globally since its inception, with more than 60,000 in the U.S. More than half of Amazon Career Choice participants identify as Black, Hispanic, or Native American, and globally, the most popular fields of study are healthcare, transportation, and information technology.
Amazon’s Career Choice program has a rigorous selection process for third-party partner educators, choosing partners that are focused on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and overall offering education that leads to career success. Both NSU and ODU have proven records and unwavering missions to help students —including Amazon employees — through their education programs, which can help lead them to career success.
“We’re thrilled to have Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University on board as Education Partners 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 more than 5,000 employees in the Hampton Roads region by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, more than 90,000 Amazon employees around the world have participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”
“Since inception, Norfolk State University has met students where they are and offered a supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for students to realize their dreams. Partnering with Amazon to become a Career Choice school provides another avenue to continue our mission” said President Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.
“Old Dominion University is dedicated to directly serving the Hampton Roads community,” said President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. “Becoming an Amazon Career Choice school continues our commitment to bettering the lives and careers of workers in the region.”
About Norfolk State University:
Norfolk State University is a comprehensive urban public institution committed to transforming students’ lives through exemplary teaching, research and service. Offering a supportive academic and culturally diverse environment for all, the University empowers its students to turn their aspirations into reality and achieve their full potential as well-rounded, resourceful citizens and leaders for the 21st century. NSU, the largest HBCU (Historically Black College and University) in the Commonwealth of Virginia, plays a vital economic and social role in the City of Norfolk, the Hampton Roads region, and across Virginia.
About Old Dominion University:
Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with approximately 23,500 students, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy. Old Dominion University is a dynamic public research institution that serves its students and enriches the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through rigorous academic programs, strategic partnerships, and active civic engagement. ODU earned the Research 1 Classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and is a leader in online education with more than 35 years of experience educating students at a distance. Amazon employees will be able to take classes on campus or online through ODUGlobal.
For more information on Amazon’s Career Choice Program, click here
Media Contacts:
Emily Hawkins
Amazon External Communications
EmiHaw@Amazon.com
Stevalynn Adams
AVP, Communications and Marketing
Norfolk State University
sadams@nsu.edu
Regina Lightfoot
Senior Publications Manager, Office of Communications and Marketing
Norfolk State University
rllightfoot@nsu.edu
Jonah Grinkewitz
Public Relations Specialist
Old Dominion University
jgrinkew@odu.edu