Bloomington mayor John Hamilton launched an employee tuition reimbursement pilot program for city employees last month.
The program applies to full-time employees who have worked for the city for at least 12 months and would reimburse them up to $2500 a year for educational expenses. It does not apply to employees who have completed any coursework prior to the launching of the program.
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An employee is eligible if they are pursuing a college-accredited degree or certification supported by a professional organization. They will receive the reimbursement if the course they are taking is required or recommended for the degree or certification.
The employee must also receive a passing grade in the course in order to be reimbursed. The course cannot involve hobbies, sports or games unless the City decides the course is job-related. The program will only cover tuition costs; it does not pay for other additional fees or textbooks.
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One can request reimbursement by completing the Educational Assistance Reimbursement Request form no later than six months after completing the course.
The program is subject to change based on available funds.