Education Assistance Policy

We put a high value on our employees advancing their skillset through various avenues such as obtaining certifications, licenses and in some cases continuing education. To that end, this policy is intended to provide direction on what type of assistance is available. All requests are to be made through the location G.M. and then must be approved by the CEO, President, Vice President or a Regional Manager.

Requests are to be evaluated based on the tenure and position of the person making the request as well as the overall benefit provided to that employee, his or her team, and the company in general.

Generally speaking, the company will consider covering 50% of the cost. This can vary depending on the situation and request itself. A location General Manager can make a recommendation but ultimately it must be approved by an aforementioned Regional Team Member.

Additionally, if the employee requests to pay back his/her portion via payroll deduction, the following is a guide for the approval process. If his/her payback portion is:

• $600 or less, then must be paid back in no less than 6 months in equal weekly payroll deductions.

• $1200 to $601, then must be paid back in no less than 12 months in equal weekly payroll deductions.

• If over $1200, then a payback plan will be determined together with the GM and an aforementioned Regional Team Member.

Should employment be terminated for any reason before the employee’s portion is paid in full, the balance will be taken from his/her final paycheck and/or expected to be paid in full within 30 days.

Should employment be terminated for any reason once the funds are released for the education, the employee will owe back the company provided portion as follows:

• Less than one year of employment if the total cost of the education is $1200 or less.

• Less than two years of employment if the total cost of the education is over $2400.

• If over $2400, then the expected employment will be determined together with the GM and an aforementioned Regional Team Member.

Adopted 12/02/2022