Starbucks (1971 Company)

Established in 2014, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan gives baristas the opportunity to earn a college degree, through the online program at Arizona State University, tuition free. Meet four of the baristas currently in the program. Learn more: starbucks.com/collegeplan "The Starbucks College Achievement Plan" Going to school, it's a struggle all the way through, and then there's years of paying off that debt afterwards. I mean, there's financial aid, but it only goes so far. Getting my degree was just always on the back burner. It was all about my daughters. But I always heard, you know, I wasn't supposed to finish school. It wasn't in the cards. I grew up in a single parent household. With that type of income, college was the last thing to think about. Groceries, clothes, all that came first. I get emotional because it got really difficult. Um, I wanted to keep going to prove to my mom that I can do something that you didn't accomplish, for you. We can do this together. Look good? My twin sister and I started racing motorcross at 11 years old. There wasn't a lot of talk of college because we were focusing on racing. Filmmaking is a huge passion of mine. I would love to be in the film industry. That's the end goal, for sure. When the program first came out, I was intrigued by the fact that, you know, you can get your degree for free. And you only have to work part-time? It just, it seemed too good to be true. I have the opportunity just to go and film on the weekends, go to school and work at the same time. It's a gift, honestly. I grew up in a small town where a lot of kids didn't think of college as an option. It was with teaching dance where I saw that I had an effect on kids. I had an effect on inspiring and motivating people. I do want to go back to my hometown to be that teacher that motivates kids that higher education is a possibility. You can do it. It really is full circle. My whole motivation for coming to Starbucks in the beginning was to help our girls with their education. I am in my 19th year with Starbucks and now I am getting my own degree. My daughters, they were pretty excited. My youngest gave me school supplies for my birthday present. Three years ago, I wasn't where I am now and that's because of Starbucks. I was just happy I was getting a free pound of coffee a week when I came to the company. Yeah, this is, this is really huge. The opportunity knocks on your door, you need to answer it, right? I'd be a fool not to take it. I'd be a fool not to answer the door and let opportunity come in. Walking across that stage will definitely fill me with joy. Bryana barista since 2012 Genzel barista since 2013 Student loan debt is almost 2x the size of credit card debt. $1.31 trillion Carolyn barista since 1998 Victor barista since 2010 In 2014, Starbucks & ASU created the Starbucks College Achievement Plan giving eligible baristas a tuition-free college degree. Today thousands of baristas are enrolled, and Starbucks is committed to graduating 25,000 students by 2025. every day you help put a barista's name on a diploma Starbucks College Achievement Plan | ASU Arizona State University learn more at starbucks.com/collegeplan be good to each other