Starbucks to Expand Online College Tuition Program

[Omaha Steve]

Source: ABC News

By CANDICE CHOI

Starbucks says its workers can now have four years of tuition covered for an online college degree from Arizona State University instead of just two, marking the latest sign that companies are rethinking their treatment of low-wage workers.

The Seattle-based coffee chain says the decision is part of its commitment to "redefine the role and responsibility of a public company."

The expansion of the program comes as employers increasingly seek to win favor with customers by cultivating their images for being socially responsible. Last week, McDonald's also announced it was expanding a college tuition assistance program to workers at its more than 14,300 U.S. stores. At its company-owned stores, McDonald's said workers would get a pay bump and be able to earn paid time off as well.

Among the other major employers that have announced wage hikes recently are Wal-Mart Stores and Gap Inc.

FULL story at link.


Read more: http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/starbucks-expand-online-college-tuition-program-30127474

[bravenak]

1. More employers should do this.

[appalachiablue]

2. Good start by Starbucks, McD's, Wal-mart & Gap. More to come, esp. wage increases I hope.

Thank you Mr. Steve! Another cool good news post, brightens the day- -

[ChazII]

3. Future Sun Devils

I am not a coffee drinker but maybe a trip once a month to support Starbucks for this move. As a Sun Devil I say to Starbucks "Fork 'em" and "Fear the Fork"

[sheshe2]

4. KnR

Thanks, it is way past time for this. It is a start.