Archways to Opportunity Academic Programs:
English Under the Arches
The English as a Second Language (ESL) program is a free opportunity for all employees to learn the essential English phrases in order to effectively communicate with fellow staff members, customers, and most importantly in their every day life.
Resources & Support
We offer a range of resources and support in order to help eliminate barriers for employees returning to school.
- Advising Services with education experts to help restaurant staff identify the most efficient and affordable path to reach their education goals
- Scholarships for restaurant employees
- “Virtual Advisor” app that calculates American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations and offers college placement advice
- Learning module that helps employees make better informed decisions about their education
Tuition Assistance
Our Tuition Assistance Program provides reimbursement for eligible courses that relate to an employee’s current (or future) job functions, or lead toward business degrees. Tuition assistance is available for restaurant managers and crew at both company-owned and franchised restaurants.
High School Completion
This is an online academic program that allows employees to obtain their high school diploma. All costs are covered by our Tuition Assistance Program.
College Credit Connection Program
The connection program helps our employees find the most efficient and affordable path to a two- or four-year degree. We work with affiliate colleges that offer discounted tuition rates to McDonald’s employees—and that also recognize American College of Education (ACE) college credit recommendations for our management development training.
Hamburger University
Since 1961, Hamburger University has offered graduates a unique management curriculum that is as thought-provoking as it is comprehensive. Hamburger U teaches in a total of 28 languages, some of which include Spanish, German, French, Japanese and Mandarin with the opportunity for college credit to be earned. McDonald’s management and mid-management development now carries 49 American Council on Education in all.