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Starbucks Now Paying For Baristas' College Degrees
By
Nell Casey
Published Jun 16, 2014
Modified Jun 16, 2014
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By
Nell Casey
Published Jun 16, 2014
Modified Jun 16, 2014
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Baristas slinging lattes at Starbucks will be getting a lot more than just paltry tips and a crippling caffeine addiction. The company announced it will begin a tuition reimbursement program for eligible part-time and full-time employees "partners" through Arizona State University's online degree program. With average employees earning roughly $10 an hour at the coffee giant, this could be a welcome opportunity for workers unable to afford a college degree.
The Starbucks College Achievement Plan kicks off this fall and will be open to workers at Starbucks and all of their company-operated stores like Teavana and Seattle's Best Coffee. Partners working an average of 20 hours per week will reimbursed in full for each semester if they're admitted as a junior or senior. Freshman and sophomore students are also eligible for aid, with the company chipping in $6,500 on average for two years of study.
Students are under no obligation to remain with the company post-graduation, and are free to pursue degrees in any field. But Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz hopes students will opt to stay on in some capacity after completing their studies. "Our investment in high-quality education will attract and retain passionate partners who will move our company and our economy forward," Schultz said in a statement. "ASU's commitment to provide any talented student from any family background and any income level with a top-notch education makes it the singular partner for Starbucks."
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