North Carolina Central University (NCCU) has proudly announced its selection as an official education partner for the Amazon Career Choice Program in 2022. This exciting collaboration provides Amazon’s hourly employees with a remarkable opportunity to pursue NCCU’s acclaimed undergraduate and graduate degree programs. With over 140 diverse fields and disciplines available, from business administration to health sciences, Amazon employees can now leverage this partnership to achieve their higher education aspirations.
Launched in 2012, Amazon’s Career Choice program stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to employee growth. This education benefit empowers individuals to acquire new skills, fostering career advancement both within Amazon and beyond. Recognizing diverse learning journeys, the program offers various educational paths, including pre-paid college tuition, industry-recognized certifications for high-demand jobs, and foundational skill development in areas like English language proficiency and GED attainment. Amazon’s significant investment of $1.2 billion by 2025 underscores their dedication to upskilling over 300,000 employees in the U.S., facilitating transitions into higher-paying, sought-after roles.
NCCU distinguishes itself as the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in North Carolina to join the Amazon Career Choice network. This pioneering partnership highlights NCCU’s commitment to accessible and high-quality education for diverse learners.
“This partnership is a momentous occasion for NCCU,” stated Dr. Damon R. Wade, Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management at NCCU. “Becoming a preferred education partner for a global leader like Amazon presents an unparalleled opportunity. The potential impact we can achieve together is immense. We are actively planning virtual recruitment events to connect with Amazon employees and introduce them to the opportunities at NCCU.”
Dr. Kimberly Phifer-McGhee, NCCU’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Extended Studies and Student Support, emphasized the university’s proactive preparation for the inaugural cohort of Amazon Career Choice students expected in the fall. “A dedicated team across NCCU has been diligently working to ensure a seamless experience for Amazon employees transitioning into NCCU students,” Dr. Phifer-McGhee explained. “Our focus is on providing exceptional support services. We have appointed a dedicated student support service specialist who will serve as their primary liaison, guiding them as they navigate our campus and academic environment. We anticipate significant interest in our online courses from Amazon employees, given the flexibility and accessibility they offer.”
Provost David H. Jackson Jr. highlighted the Amazon partnership as a validation of NCCU’s appeal and its unwavering Eagle Promise – a commitment to support, train, and empower students for future career success. “Amazon’s decision to select NCCU among North Carolina’s esteemed HBCUs for the Career Choice program is a significant endorsement,” Provost Jackson noted. “It underscores Amazon’s recognition of North Carolina Central University’s distinctive blend of adaptable academic programs, community engagement, leadership cultivation, and career readiness initiatives, particularly tailored for students with diverse educational backgrounds. We are excited to cultivate and expand our relationship with Amazon.”
Amazon’s Career Choice program adheres to a rigorous selection process for its education partners, prioritizing institutions that demonstrate a commitment to student success through comprehensive support, effective job placement assistance, and career-focused education.
“We are thrilled to welcome North Carolina Central University as a valued education partner for the Career Choice program, enriching the diverse range of educational opportunities available to our employees,” stated Tammy Thieman, Global Program Lead for Amazon’s Career Choice program. “Our core mission is to empower Amazon employees by providing accessible pathways to education and training, enabling them to achieve their career aspirations, whether within Amazon or in other fields. We have deliberately built a network of exceptional third-party educators and employers who share our commitment to delivering outstanding education, career resources, and a continuously improving learning experience. To date, over 80,000 Amazon employees globally have participated in Career Choice, and we have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact it has had on their lives.”
For further details about NCCU’s program offerings under the Amazon Career Choice Program 2022, please visit the university’s dedicated webpage at https://bit.ly/AmazonNCCU.
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is dedicated to preparing students for success in the global marketplace. A nationally recognized top-tier HBCU, NCCU offers distinguished programs in key fields such as sciences, education, law, business, nursing, and the arts, equipping students for diverse professions from clinical research to information science. Established in 1910, NCCU remains steadfast in its commitment to diversity and accessible higher education. Driven by a mission to address health disparities, the university’s two advanced research institutes provide students with invaluable real-world experience alongside faculty researchers and industry professionals in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. NCCU’s Strategic Plan 2019-2024, “Charting a New Landscape for Student-Centered Success,” strategically focuses on student access and success, innovation, research and entrepreneurship, collaborations and partnerships, and institutional sustainability. Explore more at www.nccu.edu.
