Across the country, employers continue to struggle to find skilled talent, yet many overlook the solution already on their teams: the college students working and learning simultaneously. In a recent Fast Company article, National University President Dr. Mark D. Milliron explains how “ANDers™”, students balancing education with work, parenting, military service, and other responsibilities, represent an untapped source of dedication and potential. About 70% of college students now work while enrolled, and those who receive employer support for flexible schedules, child care, or tuition assistance are more likely to advance in their education and careers, while also performing better at work.
Dr. Milliron notes that forward-thinking employers such as Amazon, Southwest Airlines, and the City of San Diego already partner with universities to offer flexible, career-aligned education programs that meet the needs of working adults. “Encouraging learning and earning sends a clear message that your organization values growth and understands the complexities of employees’ lives,” he says. “When employers invest in their ANDers, they strengthen their talent pipelines and create opportunities for people to thrive personally and professionally.”
Read the full article by Dr. Mark D. Milliron on Fast Company. Learn more about National University’s mission to serve working adults, service members, and lifelong learners at nu.edu.
