Starbucks Gives Military Families a Free College Shot
Despite being embroiled in a cup-focused "War on Christmas" controversy that may not even really be one, coffee giant Starbucks is focusing much of its attention elsewhere.
With Veterans Day approaching on Wednesday, the Seattle-based company is extending its offer of a tuition-free college education to family members of employees who have served in the U.S. military.
Starbucks' old plan allowed employees who worked for the company 20 or more hours per week the opportunity to get a tuition-free undergraduate degree through Arizona State University's online program.
On Monday, that offer was extended so that a spouse or child of a current or former member of the military who works for Starbucks can also attend ASU online with tuition costs covered.
Along with that addendum to its offering, Starbucks said it also has hired more than 5,500 veterans and military spouses, with the goal of hiring 10,000 by 2018.
"We must put our thanks into action and collectively help those who are making the transition from military to civilian life," Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz said in a statement. "Not only do we have a moral duty to engage veterans once they leave the service, we know that doing so in a meaningful way will ultimately strengthen our nation."
The company additionally is offering a free tall cup of coffee to active-duty military members, reservists, veterans and military spouses on Wednesday.
