Starbucks Now Pays for U.K. Partners University Degree


100% of tuition fees for a Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) across 40+ different programmes to be paid entirely by Starbucks and Arizona State University (ASU)

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Today, Starbucks announces the expansion of its education programme, providing 100% tuition coverage for online university degree programmes with Arizona State University (ASU) to eligible partners (employees) in the United Kingdom.

The new Starbucks Degree Achievement Plan (SDAP) is part of Starbucks ongoing support to create opportunities for partners (employees) in and out of work and marks the first time the company-led education programme has been offered outside of the United States.

“Starbucks has always been a company that puts our people first. And if we can remove the financial burden of the cost of a university degree while helping our partners gain skills that will set them up for future success – we can’t think of a better investment,” said Martin Brok, president, Starbucks EMEA.

Starbucks and ASU launched their partnership in the U.S. in 2014 as part of Starbucks commitment to playing a key role in creating opportunities for partners to develop career-building skills. . The Starbucks College Achievement Plan (SCAP), as it’s called in the U.S., has had over 18,000 partners enrol and has seen nearly 2,400 graduates to date.

Due to the success of the SCAP in the U.S., Starbucks in the U.K. is extending this educational opportunity to its partners, having worked closely with its workforce  to identify what benefits matter most to them. Many expressed how difficult the financial strains can be to obtain a university degree – and currently, tuition fees for those studying in England can be up to £9,250 a year. Starbucks always aims to add value to partners, and knows that when partners are engaged, the result is a deeper connection to the brand, the customers, and an increased retention level within the organisation.

Developed and taught by the same acclaimed ASU faculty who teach on campus, eligible U.K. partners can earn a bachelor’s degree in their chosen subject – with 100% of the tuition fees paid for entirely by Starbucks and ASU. Courses will be delivered through an online portal to allow partners the flexibility of learning in their own time, and the degree is a fully recognised qualification in the U.K.

Unique to this programme, partners will have the choice of more than 40 different degree programmes spanning across Bachelor of Science Degree (B.S.) and Bachelor of Arts Degree (B.A.) to choose from.Applications open today (Tuesday 2nd April), with the first courses beginning in October.

The programme will be available to 100 partners at launch to allow Starbucks to establish demand, with the ambition to adapt and scale based on partner feedback.

“For those who have ever considered earning their degree and haven’t had the opportunity or those who’ve had to put their studies on hold, the Starbucks Degree Achievement Programme could be the chance they’ve been waiting for to earn their degree – with Starbucks here to pick up the bill,” continued Martin Brok, president of Starbucks EMEA.

In addition to the financial support, students who are admitted under the plan will also have a dedicated enrolment coach and academic advisor to support them through graduation.

Michael M. Crow, President at the Arizona State University said: “Nearly five years ago, Arizona State University and Starbucks began a partnership, offering 100% tuition coverage for US partners through the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, with the shared vision of providing a quality education to all eligible Starbucks partners who seek their first bachelor’s degree. Today, we are extending this successful endeavour to the UK, with the Starbucks Degree Achievement Plan. ASU’s ability to scale through innovation and technology, allows us to reach learners across the globe, in the effort to provide an education to all who desire to learn. We are delighted to partner once again with Starbucks in this important step forward with the global expansion of our partnership.”

Starbucks already offers intermediate (level 2), advanced (level 3) and higher and degree level apprenticeships (levels 4-6) and has supported over 1,500 apprentices.

For more information on the Starbucks Degree Achievement Plan and to start an application, visit https://sdap.asu.edu/.