University of La Verne Agrees to Corporate Education Partnership With American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
The University of La Verne agreed to partner with American Honda Motor Co., Inc. to provide a Master of Science in Leadership and Management degree program to Honda employees, with the first group of students starting in 2017.
University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman and Honda Executive Vice President John Mendel signed the agreement Nov. 30 at the university.
“We continuously strive to provide the best access possible to all student populations,” Lieberman said. “Research suggests that professional adults are the fastest growing population seeking college degrees, and we are honored to provide the employees of Honda and other corporations the tools they need to be successful and effective leaders.”
According to the Lumina Foundation, 38 percent of today’s college undergraduate students are older than 25, 58 percent work while in college, and 26 percent are raising children. The University of La Verne provides on-site education through various organizations to make it more convenient for working adults to pursue a college degree.
The university and Honda expect to launch the program with one to two groups comprised of 15 students each. The cohorts are open, meaning employees of other corporations may join. Each Honda employee enrolled receives a number of benefits including the convenience of a workplace classroom location, tuition reimbursement, transportation and childcare stipends, and more.
“I began pursuing a Master of Business Administration after I had already entered the corporate world, so I understand the challenges and pressure of being a working professional while continuing an education,” Mendel said. “My wife and I are very supportive of lifelong learning and helping Honda associates achieve their career goals.”
The Master of Science in Leadership and Management is a versatile degree that can be used to pursue leadership roles in any organization, human resources management, and organizational development.
Founded in 1891 and located 35 miles east of Los Angeles, the University of La Verne is a private, nonprofit, comprehensive institution founded on four core values: lifelong learning, ethical reasoning, civic and community engagement, and diversity and inclusivity. The University of La Verne serves nearly 8,400 students at its historic La Verne campus and across nine other California regional locations.
