As if we needed another reason to love Starbucks, news that employees of the uber popular coffee spot will be eligible for a free college education through Arizona State University’s online program is making us feel less guilty about spending $5 on a Frappuccino.
The new initiative, which is the first of its kind, will allow many of Starbucks’ 135,000 employees to graduate debt free from ASU with no requirement to repay or stay on with the company.
According to AZ Central:
ASU President Michael Crow is scheduled to appear in New York on Monday with Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to launch the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, as it is called.
Under the program, Starbucks employees who work at least 20 hours a week will receive full tuition reimbursement if they enroll in ASU’s online program as juniors or seniors.
Others will be able to apply for scholarships worth $6,500, on average, if they enroll as freshmen or sophomores in ASU’s online program. And ASU advisers will help them apply for other, need-based financial aid, including coveted Pell Grants, the university said.
Crow made sure to mention that the partnership is a way to help students across the country graduate from college without debt.
“Starbucks decided human capital is one of the most important things they can invest in,” Crow said. “Everybody is concerned about what are the ways to get through college.”
In a news release, Schultz piggybacked on Crow’s statements, stating that it is our duty as Americans to make sure our own aren’t being left behind in education.
“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.”
Talk about a little positivity! For more on the ASU/Starbucks partnership, click here.
SOURCE: AZ Central | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
