ATLANTA, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Employers searching for ways to enhance benefits packages while at the same time controlling costs now have a new voluntary benefit option. Purchasing Power has added Learning Solutions to the comprehensive line of products and services available through its employee purchase program.  Learning Solutions enables employers to provide educational opportunities for employees and their families, while giving their team a better, more affordable way to pay for education without building debt. 

Employees and their families can choose from a variety of online education options offered through Learning Solutions including college courses; SAT and ACT test preparation and tutoring courses; professional certifications; and high school and career diplomas. These programs are paid for by employees through convenient payroll deductions over 12 months, providing a responsible way to budget, and the opportunity to graduate debt-free.

"According to The Project on Student Debt, two-thirds of college seniors who graduated in 2011 had an average of $26,600 in student loan debt," says Richard Carrano, President and CEO, Purchasing Power. "For 11 years we've been providing employees with an alternative way to purchase computers, tablets and other technology needed to support online education. With Learning Solutions we now offer the online education courses with our budget-friendly way to pay, so employees have a better chance to graduate debt free."

Purchasing Power is partnering with three leading online learning institutions – The Princeton Review, Penn Foster and StraighterLine – to offer these programs at competitive prices which are then paid for over 12 months of installments through their company's payroll deduction program. 

The Princeton Review provides college-bound students with SAT and ACT test-preparation services, tutoring and admissions resources. Options include self-guided online test prep, instructor-led LiveOnline courses, and LiveOnline one-on-one tutoring.

Students can also start college affordably by completing their first year courses online and then transferring credits through StraighterLine to 36 accredited partner colleges and thousands of other colleges who award credit for their ACE evaluated courses.

Employees can invest in their future and advance their career by earning a high school diploma, gaining certificates or receiving their college degree through Penn Foster. More than 35 professional certificates (such as accounting essentials, web page design, e-business management and Adobe Photoshop) and career diplomas (including auto repair technician, child day care, physical therapy aide and residential electrician) are available through their online courses. Also offered through Penn Foster are undergraduate certificates, associate degrees and bachelors' degrees.

Learning Solutions is offered as a service in the Purchasing Power employee purchase program, to complement computers, electronics, furniture and other items. Customers choose the educational program that meets their needs by placing an order on the Purchasing Power website. After an order is placed and processed, customers are emailed a voucher and instructions for registering on the respective service provider's website to begin using their service.   

"Empowering employees with education benefits is a valuable addition to a benefits package and enables companies to show they truly value their employees and their futures," Carrano concludes. "We are proud to now offer employees access to everything they need for successful online education, at no cost to the employer."

About Purchasing Power, LLC

Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Purchasing Power, LLC was founded in 2001 and offers customers an alternative to purchase a variety of name brand products and services and pay for them over 12 months through payroll deduction. Purchasing Power differentiates itself from traditional e-commerce retailers through its unique payment plan value proposition, strategic benefit broker partnerships, internal marketing expertise and superior customer service. Purchasing Power is a Rockbridge Growth Equity, LLC Company.  The company has serviced more than 800,000 orders for employees of companies and organizations, including Fortune 500 and government agencies. For more information, visit http://www.purchasingpower.com/employers/product-services-catalog/

Media Contact:
Diana Mulhall
Purchasing Power
404-609-5030 dmulhall@purchasingpower.com

SOURCE Purchasing Power, LLC