Going to college? Need financial assistance? Here’s your answer!
What is the tuition reimbursement program?
The CGA Educational Foundation’s Tuition Reimbursement Program provides reimbursement for the educational endeavors of CGA member company employees.
What is the reimbursement process? How do I apply?
Simply submit a Tuition Reimbursement Program application online including your supervisor’s name and email along with proof of term ending date, a tuition receipt and grade or proof of completion within two months from the end of the term. If reimbursement is granted by the Approval Committee, a check and congratulatory letter will be sent to your supervisor or HR representative who will present the check to you.
Who is eligible for the program?
The program is available to CGA member company employees who work an average of 16 or more hours per week and have been employed by a CGA member company for a minimum of six months. Eligible applicants must be employed by the member company at the time their check is received to collect the funds. To determine if your company is a member of CGA, contact Foundation staff.
What kinds of courses qualify?
Courses need to enhance an applicant’s job knowledge and/or support their career aspirations in the grocery or grocery-related manufacturing industries to be eligible for reimbursement. Completion of the course must result in the applicant receiving a grade or certificate of completion to prove subject mastery.
Course work completed to maintain a license or other required credentials, such as CEUs, are not eligible for reimbursement. Seminars, webinars, workshops, professional exams and conference registrations are not eligible for reimbursement. Employer-sponsored course work and/or training is not eligible for reimbursement.
I completed several courses at one time. Do I need a separate application for each course?
Yes. Each application is closely evaluated to determine whether reimbursement should be granted based on the information provided.
Where can I take classes?
Courses can be taken from most accredited education providers – from community colleges, state colleges and universities to single-day courses, online programs, and even home-study coursework.
How much will I be reimbursed?
Students may be reimbursed up to $300 per course and up to a maximum annual amount of $2,400.
Courses completed with an ‘A’ grade can receive up to $300 per course.
Courses completed with a ‘B’ grade can receive up to $200 per course.
Courses completed with a ‘C’ grade or other passing mark (certificate of completion, ‘Pass’, ‘Satisfactory’, etc.) can receive up to $100 per course.
Will I be reimbursed for books and parking?
Parking fees are never reimbursed. Book purchases qualify for reimbursement when they are for courses within the WAFC Retail Management Certificate Program. For information on the RMC program, click here.
Financial aid covered my tuition expenses. Can I still receive reimbursement?
Tuition fees paid by student loans are eligible for reimbursement as there is an expectation of repayment. Grant money and scholarship funds are not eligible for reimbursement as there is no expectation of repayment.
If I am the store supervisor, is it okay for me to authorize my own application?
No. A signature is required by the applicant’s supervisor. If approval is granted, a check and letter will be mailed to the supervisor who will present the check to the employee. A reimbursement check cannot be mailed directly to the applicant.
If my employer sponsored and/or paid for this course, can I receive reimbursement?
No. The program reimburses for courses paid for by individual employees only.
What type of documentation is acceptable for proof of my course’s ending date?
A class schedule from your education provider that includes your name is preferred. However, any document that includes your name and provides verification of your term’s ending date is acceptable.
We cannot accept course syllabi nor confirmation of the date of the final exam as these documents do not meet the requirements.
