[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E225]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          UNITED TECHNOLOGIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN B. LARSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 17, 2012

  Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United 
Technologies on a monumental achievement--spending more than $1 billion 
on education and training for their employees. Since its inception 
under the leadership of George David 15 years ago, the Employee 
Scholars Program has been a vital source of ongoing education for UTC 
employees to obtain a degree, advance their skill sets, or gain 
knowledge in any number of fields. It provides for the costs of 
tuition, books, and fees up-front and allows employees to pursue their 
education at any accredited institution of higher education.
  Through promoting a culture of lifelong learning, UTC has set an 
example for the entire corporate community of how to provide a benefit 
that will have lasting results for their employees, the company, and I 
daresay the economy. Over 30,000 employees have earned a degree through 
the Employee Scholars Program, and many others have been able to access 
coursework to improve their skills. The unique, and in my opinion 
exemplary aspect of this program is that the company does not require 
that the employee pursue education directly related to their current 
position. This allows UTC employees the freedom to choose what they 
want to study, whether they think it will help them in their current 
position, a future position, or an entirely different field altogether. 
It is my belief that ongoing learning leads to more productive workers 
and a more productive society.
  I applaud UTC again for their sustained commitment to lifelong 
learning and commend them on the milestone accomplishment.

                          ____________________