Latest news with #ArchwaysToOpportunity
Forbes
18-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why this McDonald's program helps people work and learn
As technology continues to transform the workplace, employers are eager to recruit and cultivate employees who can quickly adapt, learn, and grow. This means creating flexible hiring criteria that value more than just credentials, along with innovative programs that tap into individuals' unique gifts so they can achieve their full potential. To reach this goal, 10 years ago, McDonald's and its franchisees launched Archways to Opportunity, a package of educational programs that restaurant employees can access no matter where they are on their life journeys. Participants can use the program to earn a high school diploma, work toward a college degree, enroll in training and certificate programs at accredited schools, or improve their English skills. Best of all, they can do it while earning a paycheck, with access to academic and career guidance throughout. The program has been a win-win for McDonald's and its independent franchisees, which employ the majority of McDonald's restaurant employees. Since its inception, Archways to Opportunity has awarded more than $240 million in high school and college tuition assistance to more than 90,000 restaurant workers eager to develop their aptitudes and pursue their passions. Through Archways to Opportunity, McDonald's and its franchisees are developing an invaluable pool of skilled, loyal, and engaged employees building their McDonald's careers. In fact, a recent McDonald's survey of Archways to Opportunity participants showed that 3 in 4 stayed longer at their McDonald's restaurants because of the program. At the same time, 3 in 4 said Archways to Opportunity helped them pursue a career in other industries or fields, such as education and health care. This first installment of a three-part series highlights the stories of four people for whom Archways to Opportunity was the gateway to their version of the American Dream. A Mom's Legacy With help from McDonald's, Colnith Brown fulfilled his mom's dying wish to finish his studies and pursue his passion. Colnith Brown (in red) loves working on the busy international concourse at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport: 'It can be challenging, but it is very rewarding.' By managing operations for a bustling McDonald's in the world's busiest airport, Colnith Brown has learned something he didn't in the Navy — patience. 'Being former military, I wanted you to do it this way right now,' Brown said with a laugh. He soon discovered that frazzled travelers at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport need more flexibility and sensitivity. 'McDonald's taught me how to be more service-oriented. I learned how to be very patient in dealing with people, no matter what they were going through.' That's not to say his naval discipline hasn't served him well. Brown's military training proved invaluable during his Archways to Opportunity educational journey, which enabled him to achieve his and his late mother's desire that he find fulfillment through further education. Brown grew up wanting to become a doctor. There was just a slight problem: He doesn't like the sight of blood. After 10 years in the Navy, having seen 'the Golden Arches in every port,' Brown took a job as a general manager-in-training at McDonald's Corp. in Dallas before returning to Atlanta to work for local franchisee Danesha Smith as a supervisor. Smith encouraged him to tap into his enthusiasm for developing new ideas. For instance, it was Brown who'd approached Smith with the idea of creating a McDonald's paid internship program for students at nearby Morehouse College. His reasoning: 'If you learn how to run a business for McDonald's, you can run a business anywhere,' he said. Smith's response? 'Let's get it done.' It was so successful they called the program 'McNificent.' One day, Smith pulled Brown aside and said, 'Look, you need to bottle all this happiness you have and channel it into one thing.' In 2020, while still working 40 hours each week as a supervisor, Brown started online classes at Colorado Technical University — tuition-free, thanks to Archways to Opportunity. His goal: to build on his aptitude for business development. 'What I like about Colorado Tech, and what I like about the journey, is they bring it all together,' he said. 'You understand how microeconomics becomes macroeconomics, and how the global system works.' Brown said it was Smith's encouragement — and the flexibility and support Archways to Opportunity provides — that led him to consider pursuing his passion through further education at age 39. But it was the example of his mom Grace, who went back to school to get her bachelor's in Bible studies, that motivated him to actually do it. Sadly, Grace passed away in 2023. But her support kept Brown on track. 'Even to her last days, to her last minutes, she was adamant I get my work done,' he said. 'I made it clear to myself I would finish.' And he did. On December 23, 2024, Brown honored his promise to his mom — and himself — and completed his business development studies. Hitting that milestone gave him a strong sense of accomplishment. He thought, 'You know what? I completed this. I was patient, and I got through all the ups and the downs.' Brown now hopes his experience will inspire others to achieve their dreams. 'It gives you the confidence to usher other people along the way,' he said. 'To tell them, 'I've been there. You can do this, too.'' 'I'm living my dream' The ability to work and study helped Jessie Anderson find and pursue her passion. Jessie Anderson celebrates graduation from St. Michael's College with her grandma, Johnetta Johnson — whose encouragement inspired Anderson to get her first job, at her local McDonald's. Heading into her senior year in high school, Jessie Anderson wasn't dreaming about having a rewarding career in human resources or owning her own home by the time she was 25. She just needed money, as her grandma made clear. ''You need a job, yeah?'' she recalled her grandmother saying. ''Well, let's find one.'' As fate would have it, there was a McDonald's restaurant near where Jessie lived in South Burlington, Vermont. So, she summoned her courage and applied for her first job. She was hired on the spot. 'I was scared,' she admitted. 'But McDonald's is good at limiting barriers to people getting work.' That first step set Anderson on a path to making all her dreams come true — even those she didn't know she had. Starting as a cashier, Anderson worked for a year while finishing high school, then took a break to enter St. Michael's College in Colchester in 2017 as a first-generation college student. It soon became clear she couldn't afford her tuition. Anderson realized she needed a job with an employer who would give her flexible scheduling and invest in her education. That's when the lightbulb went off. 'McDonald's fit my needs perfectly,' Anderson said. She returned to McDonald's as a crew trainer and took advantage of the Archways to Opportunity program, which enabled her to continue her studies and work simultaneously. 'My managers gave me space within my schedule to work and develop management skills while studying psychology and growing as a person, too,' Anderson said. 'I could take what I was learning in class and apply that at work to become a better leader and to be able to advocate for other people as well.' Thanks to her hard work and people skills, Anderson was promoted to guest services manager and was offered the chance to become a general manager. She seriously considered the promotion but turned it down to pursue her newfound passion. Working at her local McDonald's restaurant had broadened her understanding of how she could apply her psychology studies, so she pivoted to human relations. 'McDonald's heavily influenced my career path,' Anderson said. 'Working with the team and helping people explore what they're naturally good at was something I was really interested in, and I was able to do that as a McDonald's manager.' That hands-on background helped Anderson land a job in HR for Burlington's city government, where she now works. 'After I got the job I asked, 'Why did you guys hire me?'' Anderson said. 'They said, 'Your years of experience at McDonald's made you stand out as an applicant.' They could see my progression from cashier to crew trainer to department manager. They said I stood out from a lot of other people my age who just have a degree because I was working full time and getting real-world experience.' Anderson has now achieved milestones "I wasn't necessarily trying to get to.' For instance, because Archways to Opportunity enabled her to work and study without incurring significant debt, two years ago she was able to buy a two-bedroom townhouse near the waterfront in Colchester. 'We see beautiful sunsets all year round,' she said. That same year, Anderson earned a master's degree in organization development and human relations from Champlain College in Burlington, which strengthened her HR knowledge and skills. 'McDonald's provided me with options for what my life could become that I didn't even know I wanted, and I think new possibilities continue to unfold even though I'm no longer there,' Anderson said. 'I attribute a lot of my success to having a great manager at McDonald's who saw the potential in me right from the beginning. You just need that one person to say, 'You've got this.'' 'Hell, yeah, I'm finishing this!' Earning a high school diploma in her 50s launched Ann Bydash on a journey of personal discovery. Ann Bydash savors the moment with son Luis and daughter Jessica, who threw a party to celebrate her high school graduation. After working odd jobs for years and struggling with addiction, Ann Bydash realized she needed a change. She turned to her local McDonald's as a way to gain stability and start building a better future for herself. At 54 years old, after decades spent juggling long workdays and being a single mom, Bydash owes her financial stability and personal fulfillment to persistence, a strong work ethic, and serendipity. Nearly 40 years ago, Bydash got her first job at 16 years old working the drive-thru window at a McDonald's in South Florida. She loved it. Despite lacking a high school degree — Bydash had left school to work and support her young daughter — she moved through the ranks over the next 25 years, becoming a crew trainer, swing manager, store manager, and trainer for 24 restaurants in Florida. Bydash might have been happy working for McDonald's in South Florida indefinitely. But fate had another idea. In 2003, Bydash's sister Dawn moved to Atlanta. Just five miles from Dawn's home, a new McDonald's restaurant was opening that was owned and operated by franchisees Bydash had worked with in Florida. Dawn urged her sister: 'Get up here!' Bydash eventually moved to Atlanta, joining the franchisee's organization as a supervisor. Shortly thereafter, two new franchisees, DJ and Rachel Mitchell, took over. That's when things got really interesting. The Mitchells didn't know that Bydash hadn't completed high school. But they saw how enthusiastically she encouraged her coworkers to take advantage of the Archways to Opportunity program. When Ann approached DJ with a long speech justifying her desire to get her high school diploma, DJ needed no persuading. 'Great!'' he said. 'It won't take you long to finish.' 'It made me realize, 'I can do this,'' Bydash said. 'I have two grandkids. I want them to know they can do anything.' The ability to work and learn simultaneously launched Bydash on a challenging but rewarding new journey of self-transformation. 'There were good days and bad days,' Bydash said of focusing on school while also working full-time as a supervisor. But she had support from Rachel, along with her school counselor, her daughter Jessica, and her son Luis. 'I started talking to my family one night and Jessica was like, 'Don't you need to do your homework?'' Bydash's commitment paid off. After earning her high school diploma last year — 'Ann's eagerness to learn pays dividends in so many ways,' Rachel said — she immediately enrolled as an online student at Colorado Technical University. At CTU, a bachelor's degree is tuition-free through Archways to Opportunity. Bydash expects to graduate with a degree in business administration with a concentration in HR in July 2027. 'I'm super stoked about that,' she said. Now, Bydash's 'personal mission' is getting more McDonald's employees to take advantage of Archways opportunities. 'I tell everybody, 'I didn't have my high school diploma, and soon I'll be a college graduate,'' Bydash said. 'Whatever your dream is, if you put your mind to it, you can do it.' From Big Macs to bigger ambitions Thanks to his job at his local McDonald's, Jeremy Corwin was able to further his studies and own a car. Now, he wants to own a McDonald's franchise too. Jeremy Corwin used Archways to Opportunity to advance his dream of becoming a McDonald's franchisee one day. Like most 16-year-olds, Jeremy Corwin's dream was to own a car. 'I wanted that freedom,' he said. He applied for several jobs near his home in Hinesville, Georgia, and 'McDonald's was the first one to invite me to join the team.' Joining his local McDonald's restaurant brought him the freedom he wanted: He was able to save up the $7,000 he needed to buy his first car, a silver 2007 Ford Mustang. It also launched Corwin on a rapid work-and-learn trajectory that helped him identify and develop his talents and interests and embark on a fulfilling career. Within several months of starting as a crew member, Corwin was promoted to crew trainer. When he turned 18, he became a department manager, responsible for managing and tracking inventory and overseeing daily staffing, food preparation, and closing procedures. 'I was fresh out of high school, doing logistics for the company,' he said. 'I felt like I was running a multimillion-dollar business.' Best of all, Corwin said, he was getting valuable experience — not just applicable to McDonald's, but to all companies with inventory management challenges. That kickstarted (and elevated) his thinking about his future goals. 'When you graduate from high school, you don't know exactly what you want to do,' Corwin said. 'But being in a business environment got me thinking, 'I could potentially be a McDonald's franchise owner.'' His coworkers were supportive, especially Ashley Dodd, his location's franchisee. Dodd told Corwin that if he wanted to be a McDonald's franchisee one day, she'd help him get there. With that goal in mind, he started studying business accounting at nearby Georgia Southern University, with help from the McDonald's Archways to Opportunity program. 'We spotted the potential in Jeremy as soon as we met him,' said Dodd. 'Our investment in him has paid off through his countless contributions to McDonald's, and now to the value he's adding to society at large.' After nearly five happy years at Dodd's organization, Corwin left to pursue an accounting career. After stints at several companies, he landed a job leading a team of certified public accountants at KPMG, one of the 'Big Four' global accounting firms. Not only is he applying the talents he discovered and developed at McDonald's, but he's also saving for his own McDonald's franchise. 'I don't know where my life would be without McDonald's,' Corwin said. 'There aren't a lot of jobs that invest in you right from the get-go. I learned a lot of things people didn't get exposure to at that age. If I'm lucky enough to become a McDonald's franchisee myself one day, I'd love to give that same opportunity to somebody else.' McDonald's and Stand Together are working to advance principles that help people unlock their potential in the workplace. Learn more about Stand Together's efforts to transform the future of work and explore ways you can partner with us.
CBS News
16-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
McDonald's to hire nearly 4,000 workers across Maryland
McDonald's plans to hire nearly 4,000 workers across Maryland as part of a new partnership with the state government, Gov. Wes Moore announce Thursday alongside McDonald's owners and operators. The announcement coincides with the 10th anniversary of McDonald's Archways to Opportunity education program, which Moore said has helped over 1,000 Marylanders advance their education and careers since its launch. "We are thrilled to be partnering with McDonald's to bring nearly 4,000 new jobs to Maryland," Moore said. "In partnership with the Archways to Opportunity program, we are creating pathways to work, wages, and wealth by helping Marylanders not only gain employment, but also gain new skills during their employment." McDonald's economic footprint in Maryland McDonald's supports more than 24,000 jobs statewide, according to the governor's office. The company generates over $550 million in tax revenue across all levels of government. The governor said nearly 75% of Maryland McDonald's restaurants are minority or women owned and operated. The governor said the partnership will contribute to Maryland's low unemployment and rapid job growth. What is the Archways to Opportunity program? The Archways to Opportunity provides education benefits to McDonald's restaurant employees. Workers can earn a high school diploma, take English as a Second Language classes, and receive tuition assistance. The program also offers apprenticeship opportunities and free educational and career guidance. McDonald's tuition assistance can be used at any accredited institution for any program, including vocational training. More than $3.1 million in tuition assistance has been disbursed in Maryland. How does this fit into Moore's economic strategy? Moore has previously said that his goal to incentivize businesses to come to Maryland. In an interview with WJZ in January, Moore said he aims to make it easier for companies to establish themselves and grow within the state. The governor also announced $750 million in investments for Maryland, including $128 million in targeted spending for key industries. His strategy focuses primarily on life sciences, defense technology, and innovation sectors.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
McDonald's plans to hire 375,000 US workers this summer
By McDonald's will hire 375,000 Americans this summer, it's biggest jobs push since 2020. The fast food chain outlined the plans this week in Ohio at an event attended by President Donald Trump's Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The hiring wave will span McDonald's more than 13,000 US locations and comes as the chain prepares to open 900 new restaurants by the end of 2027. 'McDonald's is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities and the economy,' DeRemer said. 'By expanding their workforce, the corporation will be driving investment and setting the standard for industry growth, whether as a launch pad for a different career or as a ladder for internal achievements.' The company is already one of the nation's largest employers, with roughly one in eight Americans having worked under the Golden Arches at some point. 'If you wear a uniform on the front lines of McDonald's restaurants, you gain a level of professionalism you might not elsewhere,' said McDonald's US president Joe Erlinger (pictured). The news comes after warnings that tariffs might cause Big Macs to get dearer. Besides the employment increase, McDonald's and Chavez-DeRemer (pictured) celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the company's Archways to Opportunity' program. The program is designed to provide tuition assistance to employees and help them achieve education goals. It has helped over 90,000 employees and invested over $240 million into the program since its launch. The US Labor Secretary expressed her joy for the program and explained how it helps in ensuring a successful workforce. 'Opportunities to upscale the American workforce are more widespread and accessible, which gives their strong team of 800,000 employees an incredible sense of economic mobility,' she said. 'These initiatives are imperative for getting our workers ready to fill the jobs that President Trump is creating through policies that put the American worker first.' Chavez-DeRemer continued by revealing almost 500,000 jobs were created since Trump was reelected. 'Investments like the ones we're celebrating today add momentum to our job market and help create a more capable workforce to fill those new roles,' Chavez-DeRemer said. The plan to boost sales includes keeping its popular $5 Meal Deal going until December at least. The deal was one of the many offers that are part of the highly competitive value meal wars. Erlinger believes the overall hiring plan is a 'win-win' for the company as it can make it more competitive while 'positively impacting the economic and social conditions of the communities.' Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Visit our profile page and hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
McDonald's to hire 375,000 as it rolls out 900 new US restaurants
McDonald's will hire 375,000 Americans this summer, it's biggest jobs push since 2020. The fast food chain outlined the plans this week in Ohio at an event attended by President Donald Trump's Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. The hiring wave will span McDonald's more than 13,000 US locations and comes as the chain prepares to open 900 new restaurants by the end of 2027. 'McDonald's is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities and the economy,' DeRemer said. 'By expanding their workforce, the corporation will be driving investment and setting the standard for industry growth, whether as a launch pad for a different career or as a ladder for internal achievements.' The company is already one of the nation's largest employers, with roughly one in eight Americans having worked under the Golden Arches at some point. 'If you wear a uniform on the front lines of McDonald's restaurants, you gain a level of professionalism you might not elsewhere,' said McDonald's US president Joe Erlinger. The news comes after warnings that tariffs might cause Big Macs to get dearer. Besides the employment increase, McDonald's and Chavez-DeRemer celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the company's Archways to Opportunity' program. The program is designed to provide tuition assistance to employees and help them achieve education goals. It has helped over 90,000 employees and invested over $240 million into the program since its launch. The US Labor Secretary expressed her joy for the program and explained how it helps in ensuring a successful workforce. 'Opportunities to upscale the American workforce are more widespread and accessible, which gives their strong team of 800,000 employees an incredible sense of economic mobility,' she said. 'These initiatives are imperative for getting our workers ready to fill the jobs that President Trump is creating through policies that put the American worker first.' Chavez-DeRemer continued by revealing almost 500,000 jobs were created since Trump was reelected. 'Investments like the ones we're celebrating today add momentum to our job market and help create a more capable workforce to fill those new roles,' Chavez-DeRemer said. Trump has expressed his love for McDonald's multiple times, and even manned the drive-thru at a restaurant last year. However, it has suffered multiple hardships, including sales drops and a massive E Coli outbreak. The company's sales drops have worsened, and its 3.6 percent sales drop was its biggest loss since 2020. The plan to boost sales includes keeping its popular $5 Meal Deal going until December at least. The deal was one of the many offers that are part of the highly competitive value meal wars. Erlinger believes the overall hiring plan is a 'win-win' for the company as it can make it more competitive while 'positively impacting the economic and social conditions of the communities.'
Forbes
13-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How McDonald's Uses Upskilling To Invest in Its Workforce
Help wanted. Whether you live on the East Coast, West Coast, or somewhere in between, chances are your local McDonald's is hiring. In one of its biggest hiring blitzes in years, the Golden Arches and its franchisees are planning to hire up to 375,000 new workers nationwide this summer. That means more meaningful job opportunities in thousands of local communities. It also creates a chance for restaurant employees to build their version of the American Dream by tapping into McDonald's educational and developmental benefits like Archways to Opportunity. The program has provided access to education for more than 90,000 restaurant employees, awarding more than $240 million in high school and college tuition assistance over the past decade. Archways to Opportunity participant Charletta Thomas. By participating in McDonald's Archways to Opportunity program, franchise crew members can earn a paycheck while building the skills to achieve their own personal American Dream. Archways to Opportunity — which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year — offers the flexibility, guidance, and confidence McDonald's crew members need to make their dreams a reality while still earning a paycheck. Participants can use the program to earn a high school diploma, work toward a college degree, enroll in training and certificate programs at accredited schools, or improve their English skills. And the program has helped the company, too — by developing a skilled workforce and retaining loyal and engaged employees. When Life Gets in the Way, Archways to Opportunity Offers Financing, Flexibility, and More In a world where limited pathways to training and education can inhibit economic mobility and access to fulfilling careers, McDonald's and its participating franchisees recognize the need to step up and offer solutions. Before launching the Archways to Opportunity program in 2015, the company conducted a survey to understand restaurant employees' goals and aspirations. Some crew members said they wanted to finish high school, while others wanted to pursue further education and training or explore career opportunities in various industries. But a few things were keeping restaurant employees from their dreams, including money, time, and lack of information about their options. From those conversations, Archways to Opportunity was born. 'For the last decade, we've seen the benefits of Archways to Opportunity, with crew members growing their career within the Golden Arches or following a passion in another field,' said Lisa Schumacher, director of education strategies and workforce policy at McDonald's. 'As demonstrated by the fact that 1 in 8 Americans have worked at a McDonald's, our sheer size and reach gives us and franchisees the unique opportunity to upskill restaurant employees and change the conversation around the kind of impact a first job can make on someone's future. McDonald's crew members are given the tools to develop the foundational skills that they can take with them anywhere.' McDonald's golden arches are a mainstay in communities around the country. The company's Archways to Opportunities program invests in people by providing access to support for education, training, and career coaching. This innovative model of tuition assistance helps crew members pay for college courses at a two- or four-year public or private college or university, a business, technical or vocational school, or graduate or postgraduate school. McDonald's crew members and their families can also access free education and career coaching. 'Our biggest differentiator is the power of choice we give restaurant employees,' added Schumacher, who helped create and launch the program. 'While we have specific no- and low-cost degree partners, such as Colorado Technical University and Western Governors University, as well as a partner [Career Online High School] employees can leverage to get their high school diploma, we recognize that many want to pursue education most when it is in their backyard.' For Crew Members, Archways Unlocks Potential by Unleashing Confidence In anticipation of the 10th anniversary of Archways to Opportunity, McDonald's conducted a new survey of more than 500 former and current participants to better understand how the program had changed their lives by unlocking new opportunities for them and their families. Nearly half of participants who earned a college degree were first-generation college students. Two-thirds said the program helped them discover a new passion or interest, while 3 in 4 said the program helped them pursue a career in a new field or industry, such as health care, education, or business. Just as important, Archways participants also said the program restored their belief in themselves. Nearly 9 in 10 participants who were surveyed said the program gave them greater confidence in their skills and abilities. That is due, in large part, to the overwhelming support of McDonald's franchisees. These franchisees not only invest time and money to ensure educational and training resources are available — they also provide flexibility and support that allows participants to thrive. McDonald's Archways to Opportunities participants say the program helped them gain confidence, find new passions and interests, and pursue fulfilling careers. 'The encouragement, having someone to believe in [me] did more for me than I can explain,' said Danielle Moody, a former McDonald's crew member from Tucson, Arizona. Danielle, who used support from Archways to Opportunity to help pursue her career dreams, is now an environmental engineer. 'It was more than a check to pay for my diploma. It was a team of people who were rooting for me.' Aaron Stout, who used Archways to help pay for a college degree and to determine what major was right for him, agrees. 'It changed my life,' he said. 'Thanks to Archways, I'm now launched into a successful corporate career.' Stout said that when he became a general manager, he used Archways as a retention tool. The program also helped Stout get a certification in human resources management. He is now a compensation analyst at a technology company but continues to share his story and explain how working at McDonald's can help individuals find and prepare for their dream career. Archways to Opportunity Inspires Loyalty and Helps Recruitment Efforts In an industry with such high turnover, McDonald's does not worry that offering an on-ramp to training and education will cause workers to leave. According to the McDonald's survey of Archways participants, 3 in 4 stayed longer at McDonald's because of the program, with more than half saying they stayed more than two years after participating in the program. Other Archways to Opportunity participants have said they recommend employment at McDonald's to friends and family solely because of the program. After getting both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree through Archways to Opportunity, AleeSha Jennings continues to work in McDonald's management. 'I've worked for a lot of companies, and the government, and I can say, I've never had this many opportunities until I started working for McDonald's,' Jennings said. A more engaged workforce leads to other important outcomes for businesses: Gallup has found engagement improves workplace safety, product quality, and profitability. Programs like Archways to Opportunity also lift entire communities and boost a corporation's overall reputation. 'McDonald's is unique from an employee training perspective,' said Maria Flynn, CEO of Jobs for the Future, a McDonald's partner and national nonprofit focused on transforming U.S. education and workforce systems. 'Their strategy to invest in people, ensuring they have the option of either moving up or moving on, plays a clear role in the talent development of the regional labor market. It also contributes to the broader local economy.' An Employer Model for Changing Lives and Changing Communities Untapped potential should make employers uncomfortable. In a rapidly changing economy, leaving talent on the sidelines will reduce productivity and profitability. It also can have tangible negative effects on American families. With support from their employers to address education and training barriers like awareness, cost, and time, many Americans would leap at the chance to improve their skillsets so they can find fulfilling careers. By going beyond tuition assistance for more than just traditional postsecondary education pathways, McDonald's offers a model employers can use to tap a rich well of talent. McDonald's is just one company taking critical steps to create meaningful career pathways for employees, but the results speak for themselves. Programs like these create more opportunities for workers and increase retention, engagement, and productivity. The Golden Arches hopes other companies will take note and follow.
