What is a LiLA?

For America to effectively compete in today’s knowledge-based economy, employees with up-to-date skills and education are needed. Yet for many, the high cost of education and training has limited their options. Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs) are a new way to help meet this need. LiLAs are employee-owned education savings accounts that help pay for education and training expenses. LiLAs are like a 401(k) in that employees make regular contributions that are matched by their employer. In some cases, scholarship monies are available that match employee contributions.

Since LiLAs were designed to make education and training opportunities more accessible to working adults, LiLAs can remove financial barriers which prevent employees from returning to school. Because LiLAs pay education expenses upfront - such as books, tuition, supplies etc., adults are able to seek further education without incurring debt. To make course registration simple and easy, employees are given a My LiLA Now restricted debit card to pay for their classes or education activity.  In addition, to help employees set career goals and find their way through the education system, a personal career advisor is assigned to them. Their career advisor will help them create an Individualized Learning Plan (ILP) for mapping a pathway to their future career goals.

Providing LiLAs through the My LiLA Now program is an excellent way of expanding skills of employees, which can boost their earning power, enhance business’ competitive edge and strengthen the Kansas City economy. Participating in the My LiLA Now program is an investment in the future of Kansas City.

My LiLA Now is part of a national effort to promote lifelong learning and to raise the skill and education levels of the current workforce. The pilot project includes approximately two years of savings, match, and education activities. My LiLA Now is one of several initiatives funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, Missouri Workforce Division and Kansas Department of Commerce. It is one of several initiatives under OneKC WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development).