IBM’s latest project is either really inspired or a subtle way to push people into early retirement without layoffs.
Big Blue has announced it will pay for employees to earn their teaching degrees and eventually leave the company. Company officials say they’re alarmed by the lack of math and science teachers in the U.S. and will put their employees where there concern is.
“Over a quarter-million math and science teachers are needed, and it’s hard to tell where the pipeline is,” said Stanley Litow, head of the IBM Foundation, the company’s community service wing. “That is like a ticking time bomb not just for technology companies, but for business and the U.S. economy.”
This year the pilot program will fund up to 100 employees, who can receive up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursements and stipends while they earn their teaching degrees or certificates.
According to the AP: “The company expects older workers nearing retirement to be the most likely candidates, partly because they would have more financial wherewithal to take the pay cut that becoming a teacher likely would entail.”
Via My Way News
