GETZVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) — Hundreds of Western New Yorkers are attending local college classes, but they are not traveling to a local college. The students meet after work at the Geico complex in Getzville, N.Y.

Carissa King, a Geico employee for the past 3 years says, “As soon as my shift is done, I grab my stuff, I can just walk to the open area, sit and take classes and go home.”

Joshua Damico has been with Geico eleven years and now supervises 800 people.

“I got my Bachelor’s in Business Administration right here on site from Medaille. I went to school two nights a week,” Damico said.

Geico has been offering college classes right in its own facility for close to ten years, classes for credit from E.C.C., Medaille, and Empire State. About 350 employees sign up each year for these classes that come with tuition reimbursement. Geico calls it an investment in the workforce.

“We know for our associates who continue their education, they’re going to become more knowledgeable and better insurance professionals in the long run,” says Rick Hoagland, Geico Regional Vice President.

The program also opens doors for the workforce of 2700. Some of the employees who never expected to earn a college degree are doing it here.

“I started taking classes on site in 2012,” Jacquie Cochran, who has been with Geico for eight years, said. “At this point in time, the company has reimbursed me a little over $11,400 for my education – something I absolutely could not have done myself.”

The chair of the Math and Computer Science Departments at Erie Community College, Tim Cercone, applauds the partnership with Geico and says it’s worth sending instructors to the Geico complex because the students are highly motivated.

“Tremendous learners, tremendous motivation to be able to rise through the ranks of their company and…it makes our job a lot easier when you’re dealing with a highly motivated group,” he said.

As one of the largest employers in Western New York, this insurance giant sees its own insurance in a better educated workforce.

“Because we know that the more they are developed, the more they see the value of working here beyond just a paycheck,” Rick Hoagland, Geico regional vice president, said. “That really helps retain people and have them look at Geico as a career, not just a job.”

Jacquie Cochran is grateful for the opportunities she’s had as a Geico employee.

“I’m not 25 years old. I’m back to school and now I have a Bachelor’s degree, which is not something I ever would have accomplished if I hadn’t come here,” Cochran said.

Geico employees are eligible for onsite classes and tuition reimbursement if they are in good standing with the company and they have completed their first certification. That usually takes takes six to nine months.

For more information on the Geico employee programs, click the following link.