Starbucks Supported Over 500 Partners in Obtaining Bachelor's Degrees

Hyojung Ahn, a partner and a 2020 graduate of Hanyang Cyber University, is receiving congratulations from colleagues (fourth from the left).

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Sunghye] Starbucks Coffee Korea's university education support program, launched to assist Starbucks partners (employees) in obtaining bachelor's degrees, has seen participation from over 500 Starbucks partners, including prospective students this year, as of the 19th.

Starbucks signed an academic exchange cooperation agreement with Hanyang Cyber University and has been supporting Starbucks partners without bachelor's degrees, such as those with associate degrees or high school diplomas, to obtain four-year bachelor's degrees since the second semester of 2016.

Currently, 334 partners are enrolled, with 150 new students preparing to enter in the first semester of this year. Including the 21 graduates this month, a total of 71 graduates have been produced.

Partners admitted to Hanyang Cyber University receive full tuition support for their first semester, and from the second semester onward, if they achieve an average grade of B or higher, they can receive full tuition support through the 'Starbucks Scholarship.'

Outstanding graduates are given opportunities to broaden their horizons by visiting overseas Starbucks stores and experiencing global coffee trends through the Coffee Road program, which allows them to learn about the latest coffee trends.

The cyber university courses are conducted 100% online, including regular classes and exams, allowing students to focus on their studies without the burden of commuting. Majors do not need to be related to their work. Tuition support is provided freely without any obligation or condition to remain employed at Starbucks after graduation.

Currently, Starbucks partners are developing their careers in various majors such as Hotel and Food Service Management, Marketing, and Management Information Systems, with Hotel and Food Service Management being the most enrolled major.

Lee Byungchan, assistant manager at Starbucks Uijeongbu Nokyang DT store, who is graduating with the highest honors in Management Information Systems this year, said, "I am very proud to have achieved university graduation, which would have been difficult without the company's support for obtaining a bachelor's degree, and I want to continue my studies by entering graduate school after graduation." Ahn Hyojung, a partner in the Starbucks Customer Service Team graduating from Tourism Hotel Management, said, "Obtaining a four-year bachelor's degree from Hanyang Cyber University was an important time that boosted my self-esteem, marking a turning point in my life."

Song Hoseop, CEO of Starbucks Coffee Korea, stated, "Through the academic exchange cooperation agreement with Hanyang Cyber University, Starbucks is seeking new educational opportunities for partners," and added, "As Starbucks partners and future leaders of this country, we will spare no effort to support young people so they can pursue their dreams without worry."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.