At Strayer University, we understand that people go to college to get an education and better jobs. We use innovative techniques to revolutionize the way students learn, but we realize that’s not enough. To truly help our students on their career path, we need to partner with local employers and organizations.
That’s why we created the Grads to Work program.
Through this initiative, we connect local businesses with entry-level talent who are interested in gaining on-the-job experience and earning a college degree.
Here’s how it works:
First, we collaborate with community organizations to find motivated individuals who might be interested in the program. These candidates—often from underserved communities—then complete a workforce readiness course. Next, they interview with a Grads to Work employer partner who is looking to fill an entry-level position. If the employer chooses to hire the candidate, that person will begin working, and enroll in one of our Strayer degree programs at no cost to them.
That’s right: they don’t need to choose between working or earning a degree—they can do both, at the same time.
It’s the perfect win-win situation: businesses fill open positions with diverse, skilled applicants, and local youth are set on a path that empowers them to achieve their potential.
Grads to Work has already helped businesses and communities in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Orlando, and other cities across the U.S. Now, we’re bringing the program to Charlotte.
We feel that Grads to Work perfectly aligns with Mayor Vi Lyles’ Racial Equity Initiative. By helping individuals find jobs and earn a college degree, we are creating new economic opportunities for underserved communities in Charlotte.
“Grads to Work allows individuals in Charlotte to escape the cycle of poverty, where children in low-income households tend to become adults in low-income households,” Danielle Frazier, president of Charlotte Works, said. “By helping employers solve their talent shortages with young people who are also earning a free college degree, Strayer’s initiative will make a real impact in our city.”
Strayer is already a proud member of this community. We have two campuses in Charlotte—one in Concord, and one in Ayrsley. We’ve been here for over 20 years, and there are thousands of Strayer students and alumni from the area. Through Grads to Work, we will be able to serve the region in another meaningful way.
Of course, for that to happen, we need employer partners who want to support local students and have open, entry-level positions.
“A diverse talent pool is a vital component of the growth of our region’s economy,” Janet LaBar, president and CEO of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance said. “Grads to Work allows businesses to find and hire entry-level candidates who are looking to better themselves, the City of Charlotte, and the surrounding region. It’s a smart and simple way to both increase economic opportunity and build a workforce with dedicated employees.”
We invite you to partner with us as we strengthen businesses and increase economic mobility.
Together, we can make a real difference in Charlotte!
To learn more about becoming a Grads to Work partner, email us at gradstowork@strayer.edu.
