Starbucks Corporation and Arizona State University (ASU) announced that Starbucks College Achievement Plan will now offer 100% tuition coverage for every eligible U.S. Starbucks partner (employee).
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As part of its commitment to redefine the role and responsibility of a public company, Starbucks developed this program in partnership with ASU to create additional pathways to opportunity for its partners.
Full tuition coverage was previously available to juniors and seniors, but now all eligible part-time or full-time partners can apply for and complete all four years of a bachelor’s degree through ASU’s top-ranked online degree program. In addition to partners receiving full tuition coverage, the company is offering faster tuition reimbursement - now at the end of each semester.
"Everyone deserves a chance at the American dream," said Howard Schultz, chairman and CEO of Starbucks.
"The unfortunate reality is that too many Americans can no longer afford a college degree, particularly disadvantaged young people, and others are saddled with burdensome education debt. By giving our partners access to four years of full tuition coverage, we will provide them a critical tool for lifelong opportunity. We're stronger as a nation when everyone is afforded a pathway to success."
Nearly 2,000 Starbucks partners have already enrolled in the program, and this significant expansion will offer a top-notch education to all full-time and part-time partners, with the opportunity to choose from 49 undergraduate degree programs through ASU Online. The company will invest up to $250 million or more to help at least 25,000 partners graduate by 2025.
Over the next three years, Starbucks has also committed to hiring 10,000 "Opportunity Youth," a population of nearly six million disconnected youth between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not working or in school.
With the right skills and training, Starbucks believes Opportunity Youth represent a huge, untapped talent pool for American businesses, and through employment and access to higher education, hopes to help create a sustainable future for these young Americans. ■