ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Wegmans is helping employees pursue degrees.

On May 27, the Rochester-based regional grocery chain announced over $5.8 million in tuition assistance for the upcoming academic year.

Company officials say the Employee Scholarship Program will award grants to over 1,500 new recipients this year in addition to returning recipients. Since the program began in 1984, over 49,500 employees have been awarded scholarships totaling $155 million.

“We are proud to be able to offer our scholarship program for over 40 years,” said President and CEO of Wegmans Food Markets, Colleen Wegman.  “It is an important way that we help our people achieve their goals through higher education while also growing their careers and becoming their best. We are grateful to work with such caring people committed to excellence in all they do, while supporting the communities that we serve.”

To receive assistance, employees must meet work performance criteria. Part-time workers are eligible for up to $8,000 over four years, while full-timers can receive up to $16,000. Seven employees at the Ithaca store will receive scholarships.

Winners will be recognized at their respective stores on May 30.