StarbucksMaking a gajillion Pumpkin Spice Lattes for an endless queue of girls wearing Ugg boots is a thankless job. But Starbucks is adding a new incentive to becoming a barista: They'll pay for your college.
Today, Starbucks announced a "monumental, historic" partnership with Arizona State University in which the company will bankroll online courses for some of their hundreds of thousands of employees.
"We as a company want to do something that has not been done before," Howard Schultz, Starbucks President and CEO, explains. "We want to create access to the American Dream, hope and opportunity for everybody."
So any benefits-eligible employee in the U.S. (that is, who works at least 20 hours per week at any Starbucks location or Starbucks-owned company) can apply and, grades permitted, will be accepted. And, employees "will have no commitment to remain at Starbucks past graduation."
The fine print is broken down as such:
Partners admitted as a junior or senior, according to ASU's admission requirements, will earn full tuition reimbursement for each year of coursework they complete toward a bachelor's degree. Freshmen and sophomores will be eligible for a partial tuition scholarship and need-based financial aid for two years of full-time study.
An enrollment coach, financial aid counselor and academic advisor will also be provided.
"Without a college education, I wouldn't be here today," Schultz said. "I truly believe education is the way to opportunities and a better life. This is going to give our partners hope, opportunity and the freedom to believe in themselves and their careers for the long term."
Venti no whip mocha Frappuccino with skim milk and a side of diploma coming right up!