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Educational Assistance Program

Maricopa County, AZ
Population: 2,122,101
Program Year: 2006

Abstract:
Maricopa County values the contributions of employees and provides many programs to develop their knowledge and skills. Human Resources Staff Development offered tuition reimbursement to improve the performance of employees in their current positions for several years. Despite an excellent tuition program, many employees did not pursue a degree, thus limiting their upward mobility in the organization. In 2004, Staff Development conducted an educational survey of employees. Based on the feedback on the survey, the tuition reimbursement program was converted to an Educational Assistance program. The policy was enhanced to include coverage of classes that lead to a degree within the career plans of employees. Reimbursement amounts were increased for employees who attended a local community college. The approval authority was shifted from central Human Resources to the employee’s supervisor. The county rolled out an educational initiative with the revised policy in March 2005. The initiative included three parts: the policy changes, an online application, and a new onsite community college program (Public Administration Certificate and Associate’s degree) offered by one of the local community colleges.

For more information regarding individual programs, please contact the county contact person listed. For more information about NACo's Achievement Award program, please contact Kathryn Murphy