How Starbucks Helps Create Career Pathways for Students


For two years, 18-year old Victor Govea thought about working for Starbucks, but wasn’t confident he would qualify.

“I wanted to take responsibility for my family and be able to work for the things I needed,” he said. “I heard that Starbucks was a great place to work and fun as well. It sounded like a great first job.”

Last October, Starbucks partners (employees) in Houston conducted a career workshop at Sanchez Charter School where Govea is a high school senior. The school is run by the Association for the Advancement of Mexican-Americans (AAMA) and serves 750 students in pre-kindergarten and grades 6-12.

“We prepare students for college by providing them with counseling, campus tours and service learning as well as opportunities for leadership development," said Marilu Flores, Community Relations Specialist for AAMA.

Flores encouraged Govea to pursue a job at Starbucks and to interview at Starbucks career workshop.

“After the workshop, Starbucks hiring managers were raving about Victor,” said Angela Lara, district manager for Starbucks. “We hired him two months ago as a barista in our Houston Community Store.”

On April 18, Starbucks will continue its support of Sanchez Charter School through a Global Month of Service project to beautify school grounds and conduct career workshops developed by a Starbucks customer.

“I’m a huge Starbucks fan not only because of the coffee, but also their community involvement," said customer Lorraine Decker. "I knew that working with Starbucks would greatly benefit youth in Houston.”

Decker is President of Financial Mentors of America (FMA), a non-profit that provides comprehensive financial education, career discovery and college funding curriculum for underserved teens. FMA collaborates with school districts to teach their curriculum to middle and high school students, and worked with Starbucks to modify the curriculum for the upcoming Global Month of Service workshops.

Three 45-minute classes are planned to help students with resumes and interview skills as well as understanding the proper attire for job and college conversations. In addition, local Starbucks locations hosted clothing drives to collect business attire for participants to wear for future interviews. Starbucks partners will also landscape Sanchez Charter School grounds and paint a nearby clinic.

“Volunteer work is an added benefit to being a Starbucks partner,” added Lara, the district manager. “I’m proud to work for a company that values community service and supports the future success of our youth.”

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Meet fall’s new flavor: Starbucks Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte