Wegmans Food Markets is increasing the annual award for recipients of the Wegmans Employee Scholarship. The grocer will now be investing over $6.5 million in their employee scholarship program every year.
“Our people are at the heart of our success, and we’ve long believed that we can only achieve our goals by first helping them succeed,” said Colleen Wegman, president and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets, in a statement. “By increasing the annual award for our scholarship recipients, more employees can pursue a higher education and achieve their goals. Whether they choose to continue their career with Wegmans or go on to make a difference elsewhere after graduation, we’re so grateful for our people.”
Beginning in January 2022, part-time employee scholarship recipients will receive up to $8,000 over four years (increased from $6,000 previously), and full-time employees will receive up to $16,000 over four years (increased from $8,800 previously).
No limit is placed on the number of scholarships awarded each year and unlike other retail scholarship programs, no restrictions are made on a student’s course of study or preferred school, college, or university. Recipients may enter any field they desire upon graduation; however, many scholarship winners decide to stay with Wegmans after college, continuing their career growth within the company.
Since the program began in 1984, more than 42,500 Wegmans employees have been awarded scholarships totaling over $130 million. In 2021, a record number 2,592 new recipients received employee scholarships, totaling approximately $5.6 million in tuition assistance for the 2021-2022 academic year.
Applications for the 2022 scholarship award open in January to current part- and full-time Wegmans employees working in Wegmans stores, distribution centers, and corporate offices.
Related: Fresh Thyme Donation Benefits School-Based Program; US Foods Selects Scholars Program Participants.