Alvernia partners with Independence Blue Cross to expand educational opportunities

Alvernia University has joined with Independence Blue Cross to expand educational opportunities for the company’s associates through Alvernia’s Independence Blue Cross University Partnership Deferral Program.

Under the new program, eligible employees of Independence Blue Cross that are looking to advance their education and careers will be able to access undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Alvernia under the insurance company’s tuition benefit, according to a press release.

Under the program, associates will be able to join bachelor’s degree programs at Alvernia in business administration and management, business, communication, leadership studies, accounting and data science, as well as master’s degree programs in business administration, health care administration, organizational leadership and data analytics, the university said.

“At Alvernia, we believe higher education should meet learners where they are — in their careers, their communities and their lives,” Alvernia University President Glynis A. Fitzgerald, Ph.D., said in a statement. “Our partnership with Independence Blue Cross reflects that commitment by creating flexible, career-focused pathways that help working professionals continue their education while advancing within one of our region’s leading employers.”

The affiliation builds on Alvernia’s growing presence across the Greater Philadelphia Region and reflects the university’s commitment to serving employers with undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working professionals, the university said. By collaborating with regional organizations, Alvernia added that it is expanding access to career-focused education that meets “evolving needs of employers and working professionals.”

“This new offering with Alvernia University expands access to quality educational opportunities that can help our associates develop new skills, advance their careers, and prepare for the future while also supporting the evolving needs of the communities we serve,” Tony Toury, Independence Blue Cross vice president of total rewards, HR information systems, and HR operations, said in a statement.

Independence Blue Cross provides direct tuition payments to participating institutions for eligible associates pursuing designated undergraduate or graduate degrees, up to the annual maximum of $5,250, which helps to reduce out-of-pocket education costs for associates.