To: Delrico J. Loyd, Governmental Operations Committee Chairperson
From: Jerome Threlkeld, Organizational Development Coordinator
title
RE: Approval of MOU - Reduced Tuition Partnership Agreement with Claremont Lincoln University for Genesee County Employees and Eligible Family Members
recommendation
BOARD ACTION REQUESTED:
Approval of MOU - Reduced Tuition Partnership Agreement with Claremont Lincoln University for Genesee County Employees and Eligible Family Members
BACKGROUND:
We currently have a tuition reimbursement program for Genesee County employees. We also have a Tuition Discount Program with University of Michigan-Flint. This new MOU with Claremont Lincoln University continues to demonstrate our commitment to employee development, talent retention and long-term organizational success by maximizing the investment in our tuition reimbursement program by offering another discounted tuition to our employees and eligible family members.
DISCUSSION:
NEW MOU with Claremont Lincoln University
New Reduced Tuition Partnership Agreement - Maximizing Genesee County’s Investment in its Educational Reimbursement Program
Genesee County’s new partnership with Claremont Lincoln University (CLU) expands affordable, flexible educational pathways for employees and their families. CLU offers exclusive tuition discounts, fully online programs, and career-relevant curriculum designed for working professionals. When paired with our educational reimbursement program, employees can pursue advanced credentials at significantly reduced cost.
Key Benefits
Employee & Family Tuition Savings
• A 10% tuition scholarship for employees enrolled in CLU graduate programs or academic certificates.
• Expanded eligibility includes spouses, registered domestic partners, and dependents such as children, stepchildren, adopted and foster children, siblings, half-siblings, step-siblings, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews (under age 25).
• Eligible employees applying to bachelor’s programs receive an application fee waiver.
Talent Retention & Attraction
• Strengthens our benefits package by offering high-value educational access.
• Many partner students at CLU complete programs at little to no cost when employer reimbursement and CLU discounts are combined.
Organizational Excellence
• Programs support leadership, public administration, HR management, and other workforce-aligned disciplines.
• CLU’s Claremont Core cultivates ethical, inclusive, and community-focused leadership skills that enhance operational effectiveness.
Financial & Workforce Impact
• Improves employee retention, reduces turnover costs, and strengthens internal talent pipelines.
• Credit for prior learning accelerates degree progress and lowers barriers for working learners.
Summary
This enhanced CLU partnership is a strategic investment in workforce development and family advancement. By expanding affordable education to employees and eligible family members, Genesee County strengthens its talent pipeline, deepens employee engagement, and reinforces its commitment to long-term organizational and community success.
IMPACT ON HUMAN RESOURCES:
A system is currently in place to facilitate Tuition Discount Programs and Tuition Reimbursement.
IMPACT ON BUDGET:
IMPACT ON FACILITIES:
IMPACT ON TECHNOLOGY:
CONFORMITY TO COUNTY PRIORITIES:
Healthy, Livable & Safe Communities/Workplace - Opportunities for career advancement and a more educated workforce/community; Long Term Financial Stability - Decreased turnover costs, Employee Loyalty/Productivity; Community Growth -Creating sense of place and attracting/retaining talent, Collaborating with other entities for economic growth; Inclusive/Collaborative Culture - Reducing the cost and barriers for higher education opportunities for employees and their eligible family members
resolution
TO THE HONORABLE CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF THE GENESEE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS, GENESEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
BE IT RESOLVED, by this Board of County Commissioners of Genesee County, Michigan, that the request by the Organizational Development Coordinator to authorize entering into Reduced Tuition Partnership Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding between Genesee County and Claremont Lincoln University (“CLU”) whereby CLU will provide Genesee County employees, or their qualified family members, with a discount to pursue graduate and professional development programs offered by CLU, is approved (a copy of the memorandum request and supporting documents being on file with the official records of the September 16, 2026 meeting of the Governmental Operations Committee of this Board), and the Chairperson of this Board is authorized to execute the agreement on behalf of Genesee County.