"You will be the generation that teaches the world that we are at our best when we recognize, respect, and celebrate our diversity,” said Howard Schultz. “Dream big. And then dream bigger.”
Home is the word that kept coming up at the Starbucks Partner and Family Forum held today at Arizona State University.
When Starbucks barista Brandy McIntosh, heard about the College Achievement Plan, she applied immediately. She is completing her degree with a 4.0.
“There’s no better opportunity to advance one’s career and life than providing somebody with an education and advancing their skill level," said Howard Schultz, Starbucks executive chairman.
It’s the moment Susana Mojica has been holding onto for three years. It’s helped get her through long days of attending classes, working, raising three children and nights of studying interspersed with just a few hours of stolen sleep.
As a kid in Thailand, Sirikwan O'Gorman dreamed of a job where she could help other people. She will now graduate from ASU and pursue a career to live out that dream.
When Alexander Nunes graduates from ASU through Starbucks College Achievement Plan, he’ll become the first in his family to earn a college degree.
A tragic accident stalled Laura Fobes efforts to earn a college degree, but thanks to the company’s College Achievement Plan, she’s receiving her diploma.
“Not everyone goes straight to college. Some people have obstacles and setbacks that prevent them from building their skills and continuing their education,” said Hagar Johnson.
More than 70 Starbucks College Achievement Plan graduates walked in today’s Arizona State University Commencement and received encouragement from the president of ASU, Michael M. Crow, PhD.
Part-time work, full-time benefits: For partners (employees) who dream of becoming college graduates, the Starbucks green apron represents a place that offers them that flexibility.
“Returning to school has changed me,” said Diane Tavoian, Starbucks partner. “It has proved to me that I can do a lot more than I thought I could.”
“The biggest reason I never went to college is the financial burden,” said Sangun Yu, a shift supervisor in Seoul who was selected for the program.
This May about 55 of Starbucks partners attended graduation ceremonies on the ASU campus, including the Undergraduate Commencement at Chase Field in Phoenix. Here are two partners' video stories.
This month 100 Starbucks partners are candidates for graduation from Arizona State University's top-ranked online degree program. Four grads share their college journey and the role that family has played in their success.
This U.S. Army veteran will give his tuition reimbursement benefit to his teen daughter and "set an example on what follow-through looks like in the long term" as he finishes his college degree through ASU
“I feel blessed for the opportunity and ability to finish college,” said Gabriel Adolphe. “The partnership with ASU has given me the chance to pursue my education affordably.”
"When the Starbucks College Achievement Plan was announced it was like I could hear angels singing," said Julia Brooks, a Starbucks barista and ASU grad.
“There was no reason in the world that I could say no to this," said Meghan Robinson. "The Starbucks College Achievement Plan was my opportunity to finish my degree. I knew that I couldn’t keep letting the years go by.”
"Prior to the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, I had no way to pay for college," said Emily Pearn. "I had no plan on how to get a degree, but I knew somehow I would find a way to get into a career that would involve being of service to people."
Press Release April 6, 2015: Full tuition coverage is now available for all four years of college with access to 49 online degree programs, with no commitment to stay with Starbucks post-graduation.
“Enrolling in the Starbucks College Achievement Plan was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Stephanie Schreiner. “ASU Online offered the opportunity to create my own schedule and have much more flexibility for the last year of school.”
The expanded Starbucks College Achievement Plan will be offered to more than 140,000 full-time and part-time partners (employees) and will also provide a remarkable additional benefit to the 10,000 Opportunity Youth Starbucks has committed to hire.
Brand reputation, values-centered leadership, and ethical sourcing are components of a new online Retail Management Degree created for partners who are part of the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.
Meet a few of the 1,007 Starbucks partners who will begin classes through Arizona State University. They’re the first group to pursue or complete bachelor’s degrees supported by the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.
“I’ve always wanted to finish my degree. I wanted to complete it online and I wanted the degree to be from ASU. How could all of these dreams be coming together as one?”
While Arizona State University’s quality of education ranks high on several independent surveys of the best colleges in the country, ASU judges itself in using one word – inclusion.
Why is offering a first-of-its-kind education benefit important to Howard Schultz and Dr. Michael Crow? The answer is personal for both leaders.
"No one in my family has gone to college. This I want for me," said Melissa Gonzalez, an assistant store manager for Starbucks.
Starbucks partners react to new opportunities to complete a degree through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan
“I never thought this was possible. I’ve seen documentaries where people have their school paid for and I always thought those people are blessed. That’s amazing,” said Tammie Lopez. “Starbucks is lifting such a weight off my shoulders.”
“I want to personally thank you for everything you’ve done for my family,” Erica said to Starbucks ceo Howard Schultz. “I’ve always been committed to only one man in my life and that’s you.”
As part of the innovative collaboration between Starbucks and ASU, each partner (employee) will have four people ready to assist them.
Jon Stewart’s job is to “hate everything.” As the host of Comedy Central’s popular The Daily Show interviewed Starbucks ceo Howard Schultz, he said, “I’m having a very difficult time with this. This sounds lovely.”
Meet six Starbucks partners who will complete their college degrees with support from the Starbucks College Achievement Plan.
In ringing the NASDAQ opening bell, Cliff Burrows - group president U.S., Americas and Teavana – said Starbucks has been a “different type of company” from its early days.
"This is a monumental, historic moment in time for our company," said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman, president and ceo.
As of 2014, the average college graduate will have to pay back about $30,000 in student loans. One out of 10 graduates accumulates more than $40,000 in debt.
You already look great in a Starbucks apron; imagine the selfie you’ll be able to take wearing a cap and gown on your graduation day.
Press Release June 15, 2014: Starbucks College Achievement Plan empowers thousands of U.S. partners (employees) to complete a bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University.
