News Summary
The Starbucks College Achievement Plan has honored over 1,100 partners graduating from Arizona State University. With 100% tuition covered for eligible employees, the program has transformed lives by providing accessible education. Over 16,000 degrees have been earned, with many participants praising the initiative for alleviating the burden of student debt. Committed to diversity, the program supports first-generation students and offers extensive resources to ensure academic success, reinforcing Starbucks’ dedication to partner development and career advancement.
Phoenix, Arizona – The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP) has celebrated the graduation of more than 1,100 partners from Arizona State University (ASU) as of Spring 2025. This program, which began in 2014 as a partnership between Starbucks and ASU, aims to provide accessible higher education for Starbucks employees, known as partners, by covering 100% of tuition costs for eligible individuals pursuing their first bachelor’s degree online.
The initiative has gained significant traction, with over 16,000 partners having earned degrees through the program and more than 26,000 currently enrolled. This success highlights the program’s impact on transforming lives through education and helping partners achieve their academic and career goals without the burden of student debt.
Many participants, such as Nate Fiorini, have praised the initiative for being life-changing. Fiorini expressed his gratitude that the program allowed him to obtain his degree without needing to incur any debt. This directly addresses the pressing issue of escalating higher education costs, which have resulted in over 40 million Americans owing federal student loans averaging $38,000, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
The creation of SCAP was a response to the identified need for increased access to higher education and was initiated by former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz and ASU President Dr. Michael Crow. They designed the program to facilitate broader access for partners, evolving from a reimbursement model to offering upfront tuition coverage based on partner feedback.
A notable aspect of SCAP is its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The program reports that a significant number of its participants are first-generation college students, with over 70% identifying as women and many identifying as people of color. The program allows partners to apply for tuition coverage from their very first day of employment, regardless of whether they work full- or part-time.
In addition to tuition coverage, SCAP provides a robust support system, including enrollment coaches, academic advisors, and a “Pathway to Admission” for partners who may not initially meet admission criteria. This comprehensive framework aims to ensure partners can successfully navigate their educational journeys, thereby reinforcing their chances for career advancement within Starbucks.
The measurable success of the program is evident, as participants are promoted at twice the rate of their peers. Moreover, 75% of graduates choose to continue their careers at Starbucks, contributing to the company’s efforts to reduce turnover rates in the highly competitive retail industry. This trend can be attributed, in part, to the educational benefits provided by SCAP, which help partners cultivate their skills and achieve personal growth.
Starbucks partners benefit from a diverse array of academic programs, with over 150 degree options available. This flexibility allows employees to pursue educational paths that align with their career aspirations within the company. Dr. Crow has commended Starbucks for its commitment to investing millions into the program, describing it as both inspirational and a powerful initiative that supports the personal and professional growth of employees.
SCAP continues to evolve based on ongoing feedback from partners, allowing for enhancements that better meet the educational needs of Starbucks employees. By prioritizing education and lifelong learning, Starbucks and ASU aim to break down barriers to higher education for employees, ultimately transforming lives and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
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Additional Resources
- Starbucks Press Release
- QSR Magazine
- Retail Wire
- Business Insider
- Starbucks Stories
- Wikipedia: Starbucks
- Google Search: Starbucks College Achievement Plan
- Google Scholar: Starbucks education benefits
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tuition
- Google News: Starbucks education news
