By Carie Galati CHRO at Desert Financial

In an era when retaining talent and fostering growth are paramount, Desert Financial Credit Union is setting new benchmarks in employee development with its InvestED education program.

In just four years, InvestED has achieved a remarkable 32% participation rate among eligible employees—a rate 1,600% higher than the industry standard for traditional tuition reimbursement programs.

How did we do it?

Desert Financial promoted InvestED from the C-suite. As the credit union’s primary education offering, the program simplifies the decision-making process for employees, leading to high participation rates. InvestED was created in partnership with InStride, a human capital management company, to support opportunities for career advancement, mobility, and skill development for Desert Financial employees. Our team members invest their time and talent into Desert Financial, and we reward their dedication by investing in their growth and development.

To date, the impact of InvestED includes:

  • Improved retention: Participating employees show a 7.7% percentage point higher annual retention rate.
  • Financial benefits: $4 million in tuition savings for participating employees.
  • Career satisfaction and growth: 92% of enrolled employees report an increased desire to grow their careers with Desert Financial.

Replicating InvestED’s success

As InvestED enters its fifth year, the program continues to change lives and enhance careers. For other organizations looking to launch or enhance their own employee education initiatives, Desert Financial’s InvestED program offers three valuable strategies for success.

Upfront tuition 

A key element that sets InvestED apart is its upfront tuition coverage model. Initially, Desert Financial established a traditional tuition reimbursement program to support a culture of lifelong learning. However, some of our employees’ expressed concerns about paying upfront themselves. In order to boost program participation, the organization introduced an option where Desert Financial pays tuition directly on behalf of employees.

By removing the need for out-of-pocket expenses or reimbursement waiting periods, your organization can make continuing education accessible to a much wider range of employees.

Diverse and flexible program options

Your company can increase participation in its education program by providing a diverse and flexible array of online education opportunities that align with your employees’ career goals and interests. For example, at Desert Financial, eligible full-time employees can enroll in more than 200 online undergraduate and graduate degrees from Arizona State University and certificates from leading institutions.

The impact of this comprehensive offering is evident in the program’s impressive participation rates. As of Summer 2024,  nearly one-third of our 2,367 eligible employees have enrolled in degree and certificate programs. Of those, 50 employees have already completed their degrees. These numbers underscore the program’s success in engaging a significant portion of the workforce and supporting them through to graduation.

Additionally, online formats are particularly beneficial for adult learners, offering the flexibility needed to balance work, life, and education effectively. This self-paced learning approach accommodates various schedules, which is crucial for busy employees juggling multiple responsibilities.

Supportive “on-ramps”

Adult learners over the age of 25 account for 23% of today’s U.S. undergraduate population at colleges and universities, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. However, adult learners often find themselves isolated by educational institutions designed for traditional students. This mismatch has proven to lead to poorer outcomes.

Organizations can build a program capable of accommodating all learners by introducing “on-ramps.” “On-ramps” enable learners at any stage of their educational journey to enter and progress through a desired program.

For instance, at Arizona State University, the Earned Admission program allows initially inadmissible applicants to gain entry into their chosen bachelor’s degree program by successfully completing several general education courses first.

Looking to the future

At Desert Financial Credit Union, our employees consistently report they view InvestED as a life-changing opportunity. The program’s impact is evident in stories like that of Yadira Cerpa, an executive assistant and event planner. After a 20-year hiatus from formal education, Cerpa seized the opportunity to earn her bachelor’s degree for free through InvestED.

“Going back to school and getting my degree is something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Cerpa said. “When they said Desert Financial is going to pay full tuition for you to go back to school…I thought, I have to take advantage of this. No more excuses.”

Cerpa’s experience exemplifies how workforce education empowers employees to achieve long-held educational goals, further solidifying a company’s commitment to personal and professional development.

As InvestED continues to grow, Desert Financial is setting a new standard for employee education programs in the financial services sector and beyond. Our program’s success demonstrates that investing in employee education isn’t just beneficial for workers. It’s also a smart business strategy that leads to higher retention rates, increased job satisfaction, and a more skilled workforce