Boeing to Stop Paying for Many Employees' Education
Boeing employees are about to lose a fabulous perk, and the cost-cutting move could mean a significant financial hit for some local colleges and universities as well. Until now, when a Boeing employee enrolled for any class at any accredited college, the company picked up the tuition — with no restrictions. Boeing currently pays for the classes of about 6,000 employees in the Puget Sound region and 21,000 companywide. But many of those enjoying free classes will lose that benefit at year-end, when Boeing starts limiting its subsidy to cover only courses that further an employee's career at the company.
One local employee, who is entering the second year of Seattle University's four-year evening law-degree program, just learned that beginning in January the company will not pay the $30,000-plus annual tuition."It's a huge blow," said the employee, who asked not to be identified when talking about company policies. "One reason I stayed at Boeing was because of the tuition." Of the 201 law students in Seattle University's part-time evening program, 43 are Boeing employees.
From October, Boeing will pay for new enrollments only in courses deemed "strategic" to its business. So no more free wine-appreciation classes, culinary-arts degrees or soccer workshops. [The Seattle Times]
