Ambitious Initiative Promises to Upskill Workers for Success in Retail Careers

SCRANTON, Pa., July 24, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn Foster announced today the launch of a new partnership with the NRF Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the National Retail Federation, to deliver Retail Industry Fundamentals, a training and credentialing program that is part of the Foundation's award-winning RISE Up (Retail Industry Skills & Education) initiative.

"With more job openings in the United States than unemployed workers to fill them, creating a skilled workforce ready and able to secure meaningful employment in the retail industry is more important than ever," NRF Foundation President Ellen Davis said. "Our new partnership with Penn Foster will give job seekers and entry-level retail associates across the country online access to our Retail Industry Fundamentals training and credential, helping them gain the skills and confidence needed to secure retail jobs."

The RISE Up Retail Industry Fundamentals credential includes training in customer service, sales and merchandising, and workplace safety, designed to give entry-level workers a strong foundation for future success in the industry. Developed with the support of leading retailers across the country, the 10-hour curriculum includes interactive exercises designed to engage learners and enable self-assessment through flashcards and self-check questions. To launch the new program, the NRF Foundation joined with Penn Foster, a leading global provider of skills development and training for today's dynamic world of work, to deliver the training and credential using self-paced, mobile learning technology.

"This credential's employer-led curriculum and digital delivery platform create unprecedented opportunity for job-seekers and underemployed workers to access training in career-relevant skills," said Dara Warn, Chief Operating Officer at Penn Foster. "We're excited to join forces with the NRF Foundation to provide a much-needed tool that recognizes entry-level workers as they develop the foundational skills essential for success in the retail industry."

About the NRF Foundation
The NRF Foundation shapes retail's future by building awareness of the industry through statistics and stories; developing talent through education, experiences and scholarships; and fostering career growth among people who work in retail. The NRF Foundation is the 501(c)(3) philanthropic arm of the National Retail Federation and is funded in part by generous donations from retail industry supporters.

About Penn Foster
Penn Foster is bridging the gap between education and economic opportunity to build tomorrow's workforce. For over 125 years, Penn Foster has helped individuals develop the skills they need to pursue purposeful, and productive careers through affordable diploma, certificate and degree programs. With more than 40,000 graduates each year, Penn Foster's digital and blended learning programs are delivered in a self-paced model along with personalized academic and career coaching.

SOURCE Penn Foster; NRF Foundation