Many astute employers have discovered a novel employee perk that brings the college classroom into the workplace. The Center for Collaboration, an initiative offered through the School for New Learning (SNL) at DePaul University, partners with corporations, community groups, governmental agencies and philanthropic organizations to expand adults' access to higher education by creating on-site degree programs.

"The entire concept of this unique type of educational partnership arose in 1996 when a representative from United Parcel Service asked if SNL could offer a degree program at their Addison, Illinois office," said Susanne Dumbleton, dean of SNL. "The success of that first program convinced us that offering employees the opportunity to earn degrees so conveniently was not only beneficial to companies and their employees, but it gave SNL the chance to explore a new and effective way to deliver its programs."

DePaul faculty members travel to the companies to conduct classes. Students at a particular site study in clusters, or cohorts, where they progress through the requirements of the program with their colleagues. Undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as certificates, can be earned through the partnerships, depending on the needs of a particular organization. Current partners include:

Allstate Insurance Company, where core courses for a bachelor's degree are being provided to 66 students at the company's corporate headquarters in Northbrook, Ill.

TruServe Corporation in Chicago, the parent company of True Value Hardware, where core undergraduate courses are being offered for 15 employees.

Misericordia Heart of Mercy, a rehabilitation center on Chicago's North Side, where a customized certificate program in human development, behavior management, team building and leadership is offered. Students who want to continue on and earn an undergraduate degree through SNL can get college credit for the certificate program.

UPS, where core courses for a bachelor's degree are being offered at the company's Chicago Metro Facility. Plans currently are in the works to expand the partnership to UPS locations, such as the company's Hodgkins, Ill. facility.

Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI), where intensive courses are offered at SNL on weekends for students interested in earning bachelor's degrees.

International Bank of Asia in Hong Kong, where the center has customized a bachelor's degree program with a focus on business and finance for 26 employees. Classes are held at the bank's Hong Kong headquarters.

United Steel Workers of America, where 15 steelworkers are working toward master's degrees by attending SNL courses offered through U.S. Steel's Institute for Career Development in Merriville, Ind.

"We're providing training and education that many companies would otherwise find more costly or that wouldn't be as accessible to employees," said Edward Pryor, SNL assistant dean for collaboration. "It's a growing trend as companies compete to attract and retain good employees in a competitive employee market."

Employers see the partnership as a valuable investment in their workforce. "Allstate believes in life and work balance and in allowing employees to develop themselves," said Sue Benbrook, education consultant in human resources at Allstate.

Some employers also find that many students taking classes through the center are more confident on the job. A survey by the steel workers' Institute for Career Development showed that more than 75 percent of students improved their ability to work with people, according to Robert Smith, program specialist at the facility. Forty-four percent said they taught their co-workers new skills. "The program certainly boosts morale, improves attendance and helps employees every day in dealing with people at work," said Smith.