Medtronic Tuition Program Opens Pathways

Rhea-AI Summary

Medtronic celebrates International Women's Day by promoting its Advanced Pathways & Skill Building (MAPS) program, aimed at supporting employee education and career growth. The MAPS initiative offers 100% tuition coverage for eligible employees in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, allowing them to pursue their undergraduate degrees without upfront costs. Anaisa Rojas Brache, a manufacturing operator, shares her journey from the Dominican Republic to a leadership role at Medtronic, enabled by this program. Statistics highlight that while women make up 48% of entry-level hires, only 38% reach first-level management, underscoring the need for initiatives like MAPS to foster gender equity.

Positive

• MAPS program offers 100% tuition coverage, enhancing employee skill development.
• Provides equitable access to education for employees in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
• Supports career advancement, as demonstrated by Anaisa Rojas Brache's transition to leadership.

Negative

• None.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 13, 2023 / Medtronic

For more than a century, International Women's Day (IWD) has been recognized on March 8 globally as a day to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness about discrimination, and take action to drive gender parity. The Medtronic Women's Network is rallying around this year's theme to #EmbraceEquity, which is embodied at Medtronic year-round through programs like the one in this story.

Anaisa Rojas Brache first came to Medtronic as a manufacturing operator. She would look at the office in the corner and think, "Someday that will be me." And thanks to the Medtronic Advanced Pathways & Skill Building (MAPS) program, she's well on her way.

Medtronic launched MAPS to help remove barriers for Medtronic employees in the United States and Puerto Rico who wish to pursue an undergraduate degree as part of their career development.

This program offers 100% tuition paid by Medtronic for participating schools to eligible employees from day one. Notably, MAPS participants do not need to pay upfront for these educational costs, eliminating the need for reimbursement - just one more way Medtronic is working to remove barriers and ensure every employee has equitable access to the opportunities they seek.

Across industries, women comprise 48% of all entry-level hires, but they make up just 38% of first-level managers - a figure that continues to shrink at higher leadership levels, according to McKinsey. Medtronic recognizes that different people face different barriers on their journey, and for many, earning a degree leads to meaningful personal and professional growth.

Breaking down barriers

When Rojas Brache came to the United States from the Dominican Republic four years ago, she didn't speak English. She didn't need to - her life was back home where she had an accounting degree and a plan. And she was certain she would return someday.

But as time went on, things started to change. She was exceling at her job, picking up English, and starting to see a future - not only in the U.S., but at Medtronic.

She considered seeking tuition reimbursement to attend college, but she'd just had a child and felt the cost was too much.

"When I learned about MAPS, I thought, ‘This is my time,'" Brache said. "Medtronic is not just saving patients' lives. It's changing employees' lives, too."

She's studying business administration - specifically management - at the University of Memphis.

And she's applying her education to work in a new leadership role on the manufacturing line.

"I'm creating my life here," she said. "I've got my son, my job, and I go to school. This is my home now. Everything I dashed from my mind, now I can achieve."

Hear more from Rojas Brache in this video and learn more about ID&E efforts at Medtronic here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Medtronic on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Medtronic
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/medtronic
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Medtronic

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/743393/Medtronic-Tuition-Program-Opens-Pathways

FAQ

What is the Medtronic MAPS program?

The MAPS program provides 100% tuition coverage for eligible Medtronic employees pursuing undergraduate degrees, removing upfront costs.

How does the MAPS program support women at Medtronic?

By offering educational opportunities, the MAPS program helps address gender disparities in career advancement within the company.

What statistics on women's representation in leadership were mentioned?

Women make up 48% of entry-level hires but only 38% of first-level managers, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving gender equity.

When is International Women's Day celebrated?

International Women's Day is celebrated globally on March 8 each year.

Who is Anaisa Rojas Brache?

Anaisa Rojas Brache is a Medtronic employee who has advanced from a manufacturing operator to a leadership role, supported by the MAPS program.