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House bill extends tax credit for Metropolitan College

Legislation extends credit until 2017 for program that provides education, jobs

The mission of Metropolitan College is to improve employee recruitment and retention at UPS Worldport, the global package delivery company’s Louisville air hub.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Oct. 4, 2012) – Gov. Steve Beshear today joined community leaders and UPS Inc. officials at UPS Worldport in Louisville to ceremonially sign House Bill 246, which supports Metropolitan College by extending a tax credit.

Metropolitan College began in Louisville in 1998 as a partnership among the state Louisville Metro Government, Jefferson Community and Technical College, the University of Louisville and UPS. Metropolitan College provides Kentucky residents access to a tuition-free, postsecondary education and employment opportunities. The program’s mission is to improve employee recruitment and retention at UPS Worldport, the global package delivery company’s Louisville air hub.

The legislation extends the credit, which had been set to expire next year, to April 15, 2017. The income tax credit allows UPS to recover 50 percent of tuition paid for its employees and related fees.

UPS provides part-time jobs with salary and benefits for the program’s participants, who attend either Jefferson Community and Technical College or the University of Louisville. Students also receive help with textbook costs.

“Metropolitan College is a great example of a long-term and successful partnership,” Beshear said. “When we talk about the importance of education and investing in the workforce, these are the kind of results we want to see. One of Louisville’s largest employers gets help with a stable, motivated workforce, and the employees receive the lifelong benefit of postsecondary education.”

More than 3,000 Metro College participants have earned 4,531 academic credentials, including nearly 2,000 bachelor’s degrees and 245 advanced degrees, according to UPS. Many of the participants who earned credentials have left to pursue careers outside of UPS. Students from more than 100 of Kentucky’s 120 counties have participated in Metro College.

“We are extremely grateful to the legislature and Gov. Beshear for continued commitment to this highly successful program,” said UPS Airlines President Mitch Nichols. “Metropolitan College is a win-win for all of those involved, offering positive educational and economic impacts to Kentucky. Students who leave this program are trained, motivated, customer-focused and prepared to be successful in the workplace.”

UPS Worldport is the largest fully-automated package handling facility in the world. The facility employs approximately 9,000 people, and about 550 seasonal workers are added each year during the holiday season. The hub has served as a catalyst for dozens of companies to locate or expand their operations in Kentucky.

“A highly educated and trained workforce is essential for a healthy economy in Kentucky.  Metropolitan College is an outstanding example of a very successful public private partnership that supports our economy while providing college degrees and employment options for Kentuckians,” said Rep. Rocky Adkins of Sandy Hook. “I was proud to work with Rep. Larry Clark and other members of the Kentucky General Assembly on passing this important piece of legislation.”