Starbucks Extends Values with Tuition Reimbursement Program

Coffee giant Starbucks has raised the bar once again for how companies should demonstrate their values in action. Starbucks' announcement of offering free college tuition to its full- or part-time employees is game changing in the QSR space with an hourly workforce. But the decision goes far beyond an employee benefit. The fruits of Starbucks' investment exceed impacts on not only the lives of its employees; it also benefits the U.S. economy as a whole, by providing a more educated, skilled workforce.

The Starbucks College Achievement Plan, created in partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), would allow qualified college juniors and seniors to take ASU online courses for full tuition reimbursement (after a discount from ASU, as well as scholarship and need-based financial aid). Freshmen and sophomore employees are also eligible for partial reimbursement as part of the initiative.

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