UpSkill America is an employer-led movement to expand opportunity for America’s workers and allow our economy and communities to thrive. As part of our mission to advance the upskilling movement, we are pleased to share the following news featuring one of our partners.
In 2015, McDonald’s launched Archways to Opportunity, a comprehensive education program that provides eligible U.S. employees at participating restaurants an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education advising services and learn English as a second language. In the first year of the program, the company saw nearly 5,000 restaurant employees enroll to receive the education offerings. Now, in year two, participation in the program has more than doubled with a 238% increase in enrollment. This acceleration signals the clear interest and need for workforce development programs that help people achieve their dreams, no matter where they are on their personal journey.
This spring, Archways to Opportunity also marks another milestone: celebrating its first 100 high school diploma graduates. Restaurant employees earn high school diplomas at no cost from the nationally-accredited Career Online High School program through Cengage. Nearly 40 million American adults do not have a high school diploma according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. McDonald’s wants to be part of the solution to this national challenge. Partners like Career Online High School help make it possible to offer eligible U.S. restaurant employees the opportunity to earn accredited high school diplomas and career certificates. Click here to learn more.
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