An article in Chief Learning Officer magazine (http://www.clomedia.com/industry_news/2010/June/5211/index.php), describes the honorable new partnership between Wal-Mart and American Public University, or APU.  According to the article, Wal-Mart is now making it possible for associates to pursue their college education, at an affordable cost, while maintaining their employment.

This partnership will allow and encourage many financially burdened households to expand their possibilities through further education.  Wal-Mart’s move is admirable.  As associates try to climb the corporate ladder, Wal-Mart gives incentive and credit for a job well-done.     

Corporate America could learn something here.  If you truly desire to raise individual performance standards, then it would follow that you are seeking to provide quality training and preparation that will lead to that end.