When WARN Notices Are Filed, Support Still Matters: How Reskilling Scholarships Can Help Impacted Employees Move Forward 

Filing a WARN notice is never a decision organizations make lightly. Required by law, these notices signal significant workforce reductions and mark a difficult moment for both employers and employees. For the individuals affected, a WARN notice often brings uncertainty, financial stress, and urgent questions about what comes next. 

While layoffs may be unavoidable in certain economic or organizational conditions, how an employer responds in this moment matters. Beyond severance and short-term support, organizations have an opportunity to help impacted employees prepare for what’s ahead—and to do so in a way that reflects long-term values and responsibility. 

One increasingly effective option: reskilling scholarships for employees affected by layoffs.  

What Is a Reskilling Scholarship Fund? 

A reskilling scholarship fund is an employer-sponsored education benefit designed specifically for employees impacted by layoffs. These programs can support a wide range of learning pathways, including: 

• Short-term credential and certificate programs 

• Industry-recognized training 

• Technical or digital skills development 

• Degree completion or continuing education 

Unlike traditional tuition reimbursement programs, reskilling scholarships are structured to support individuals after employment ends—helping them transition, retrain, and return to the workforce faster.  

Supporting Employees—and Organizational Values 

Offering reskilling scholarships following a WARN notice is not just about workforce transition—it’s about demonstrating accountability and care during a challenging moment. 

For employees, these programs provide: 

• A clearer path forward 

• Faster recovery and reemployment potential 

• Confidence that their employer is invested in their future, not just their past contributions 

For organizations, they offer: 

• A way to continue advancing CSR, ESG, and workforce development goals 

• Support for employer brand and reputation during a highly visible transition 

• A tangible demonstration of values aligned with long-term talent and community investment 

In times of workforce reduction, actions speak louder than statements. Education support is one of the most concrete ways to show commitment to people—even as roles change. 

Scholarship America’s Reskilling Scholarships: Fast, Flexible, and Designed for Impact 

One common concern is timing. WARN notices often come with tight windows and limited internal capacity. The good news: Scholarship America can design and launch reskilling scholarship programs quickly and compliantly. 

Our programs are: 

• Fully customizable to organizational goals and budgets 

• Flexible enough to support diverse education pathways 

• Professionally administered to reduce internal burden and ensure compliance 

Scholarship programs can be structured to meet employees where they are—whether they need immediate retraining or longer-term educational support. 

A Responsible Path Forward 

Layoffs will always be difficult. But they don’t have to be the end of the employer-employee relationship—or the end of an organization’s responsibility to its people. 

By investing in reskilling scholarships after a WARN notice, organizations can help impacted employees take meaningful next steps, while reinforcing their commitment to responsible leadership, workforce development, and long-term impact. 

In moments of transition, support matters. And education remains one of the most powerful tools for helping people move forward. 

Support your employees and your brand—explore a reskilling scholarship today.  

If you’re navigating workforce change, you don’t have to do it alone. We’ll help you offer a clear path forward.