Russell Banks has been working at Chrysler Financial for nearly two years. He took the job because of the attractive benefits, especially tuition reimbursement. A single man, Banks has wanted to finish two bachelor´s degrees for several years.

“It´s hard to work full time and find the money to pay for school as well,” said Banks who wants to eventually teach on the college level. “Chrysler Financial offered tuition reimbursement which was especially attractive since it would help me finish school.”

But with the downturn in the economy Banks learned soon after starting at Chrysler Financial that tuition reimbursement had been cut. In fact he, and most of his colleagues in the Kansas City area, have recently been advised that their jobs have been eliminated as well. For now Banks will look to finance his education with workforce grants or funding for laid off workers.

History has indicated that as the economy drops college enrollment usually increases. The Metropolitan Community College has reported an increase of 14 percent enrollment over the last year. At Johnson County Community College enrollment has also increased over the last year — by 16 percent. Reasons for enrollment increases vary to include unemployment, desire to increase income and increased availability of tuition assistance.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Full Employment Council (www.feckc.org) and Workforce Partnership offices (www.workforcepartnership.com) all provide information on funds for displaced and low-wage workers wanting to attend secondary education.