Dolly Parton's Dollywood will soon cover the tuition of any employee looking to further their education. The new program, announced on Tuesday, allows for 100 percent coverage of tuition and books.
The new GROW U program will provide full coverage with 30 learning partners. Eligible programs include business administration and leadership, finance, culinary, technology, and marketing. Additionally, $5,250 a year is available for 150 other programs at these 30 institutions.
"We know when our hosts are happy and feel cared for that they are going to pass that along to our guests," said Eugene Naughton, president of The Dollywood Company. "The creation of the program allows another avenue for us to care for our hosts.
"One of The Dollywood Foundation's key tenets is to 'learn more.' This program is created with that very tenet in mind. We want our hosts to develop themselves through advanced learning to fulfill the foundation's other tenets: care more, dream more, and be more. When our hosts strive to grow themselves, it makes our business and our community a truly better place."
"Whether it's to pursue a new dream or advance their career with us, we care about our employees' personal and professional growth because we believe that their futures should be grown with love, not loans," said Andrew Wexler, CEO of Herschend Enterprises.
"Our team members' success is our success – and that's why we're thrilled to make this benefit available to all, regardless of their role in the company and without the burden of debt."
Employees of Dollywood Parks and Resort will be eligible for the tuition program on their very first day of employment, whether they are seasonal, part-time, or full-time employees, beginning Feb. 24.
