Starbucks' new full-tuition reimbursement program college achievement plan will help eligible company employees complete university degree requirements, the coffee chain announced Monday.
According to a press release, the collaboration with Arizona State University closes the 50 percent gap between students who don't finish their coursework and those who do.
Workers accepted as juniors or seniors can receive their money back on their tuition. Freshmen and sophomores receive a partial tuition scholarship. Financial aid is also available after two years.
Employees working 20 hours week at Starbuck's affiliated stores can select a study area from more than 40 undergraduate degree programs, including electrical engineering, education, business and retail management.
Starbucks' CEO said the program re-emphasizes that everyone deserves a chance at an education.
"In the last few years, we have seen the fracturing of the American Dream," Howard Schultz said in a statement. "There's no doubt, the inequality within the country has created a situation where many Americans are being left behind. The question for all of us is, should we accept that, or should we try and do something about it. Supporting our partners' ambitions is the very best investment Starbucks can make. Everyone who works as hard as our partners do should have the opportunity to complete college, while balancing work, school and their personal lives."
Arizona State's president said the new partnership represents changing times in education.
"ASU is pioneering a new university model focused on inclusivity and degree completion, and Starbucks is establishing a new precedent for the responsibility and role of a public company that leads through the lens of humanity and supports its partners' life goals with access to education," Dr. Michael M. Crow said in a statement. "We are very pleased to collaborate with Starbucks, who has impressed us with its strong commitment to its employees by providing this unique opportunity for a first-class college education. ASU has the vision, programs and scale to deliver it to Starbucks employees in every part of the country."
One Starbuck's barista said the coffee chain's program will help him achieve his music career goals.
"I was put here to play music, and my goal is to change someone's life-at least one. I want to teach at a university, and for that, you need a college degree," Abraham Cervantes said in a statement. "For me, the opportunity to earn my degree means I have the chance to teach others and make a better life for myself and my mom who raised me and my three siblings on her own."
Starbucks also sells Teavana Teas and La Boulange baked goods.
