It's all nice and everything, but I have few "questions"
Is asking people about how they "felt"about the course really a good method of evaluating the course's effectiveness? It sounds like people would always makes up a reason to say they felt good about the course, either as lip service, or because they enjoyed it even though it might have zero effect on their work.
Maybe instead they should try to come with specific things to measure before and after the course?
Depends on what degree of certainty you require, and how antagonistic a relationship you have with your employees. (You seem pretty hostile.)
Providing career development opportunities isn't a revolutionary idea. Lots of companies will pay for external coursework at community colleges and what have you. The main distinction here is that Stripe is doing the education in-house.
Is asking people about how they "felt"about the course really a good method of evaluating the course's effectiveness? It sounds like people would always makes up a reason to say they felt good about the course, either as lip service, or because they enjoyed it even though it might have zero effect on their work.
Maybe instead they should try to come with specific things to measure before and after the course?