Target’s Debt-Free Education Benefit is Helping Team Members Turn Higher Learning into New Careers
Target | September 29,2022
Last fall, Target introduced a new debt-free education assistance benefit, Dream to Be, giving team members access to tuition-free undergraduate and associates degrees, certificates and bootcamp programs — both online and in-person — from over 40 schools, colleges and universities through their partner Guild. And one year later, there’s a lot to celebrate: More than 75,000 team members have expressed interest and opened accounts with Guild since September 2021.
The inspiration behind the program? To find even more meaningful ways to continue to support and empower Target team members, to help create a more equitable and inclusive workforce and to open career paths for all. Target's talented team is at the very heart of Target’s strategy, and have a long history of investing in industry-leading pay, extensive benefits, education assistance and career opportunities to help them have rewarding careers. Our $200 million investment in Dream to Be over four years will help ensure all team members have the opportunity to grow their skills and build their careers.
Team members have come across Dream to Be in a variety of ways, from coworker referrals to a poster tacked on an office bulletin board. However the inspiration strikes, giving all team members easy and affordable ways to learn, grow and build their skills fits right in with Target values.
Team members completing coursework through Dream to Be also have access to a suite of resources, including teaching assistants, tutors and coaches, so help is never far away. “The TAs and instructors were always available to answer questions and my tutor was fantastic — I could send an email if I had a question or got stuck,” says data analytics bootcamp graduate Sara Gregg. Engineering bootcamp graduate Robel Gebremeskel also took advantage of productivity tools that were available to help students prioritize and work more efficiently. “The bootcamp really had a lot of resources, even with things like time management,” says Robel.
Dream to Be not only helps team members further their careers but can also help teams across Target find the right people, too. For example, the Target tech team worked with human resources and partners at Guild to identify programs within the network that are helping team members gain the skills they’d need for a tech role. Eligible team members were contacted with information about the Emerging Engineers Program and given support and mentorship once they decided to apply. Shane shares: “My mentor was a lead engineer at Target who helped me a ton, especially with the behavioral and peer-programming interviews.”
Feeling ready to hit the books? All U.S.-based part-time and full-time Target team members are eligible for debt-free education assistance for select undergraduate degrees, certificates, bootcamps and more. Head to targetpayandbenefits.com to learn how the benefit works and to get started. And if you’re interested in joining Team Target and looking to take advantage of this great program, check out Target careers site for more details.