A Decade of Impact:
Celebrating the 10-year Anniversary of Archways to Opportunity at McDonald’s

Celebrating 10 Years of Archways to Opportunity

If you talk to ten different people who work in McDonald’s restaurants, you’ll hear ten different dreams for their futures. Some are determined to earn their diploma, others to improve their English skills, and many aspire for a promotion and a chance to apply the skills they’ve learned to a new career challenge. Each definition and path to success may be different, but the barriers that stand in the way – time, affordability, access – are often the same.

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of Archways to Opportunity, and since its launch in 2015, the program’s impact has been felt coast to coast, including:

Archways is designed specifically to meet the needs of McDonald’s crew by offering:

  • An accredited High school diploma program
  • College tuition assistance
  • Access to free education and career advising services
  • English as a second language courses

“Getting higher education while being able to work…allowed me to not be burdened by debt.” - Archways Participant, Arlington, TX

Archways Participant Survey

As part of the 10-year anniversary of Archways, McDonald’s conducted a survey of current and former participants to assess the program’s impact.

Read the survey fact sheet

“Archways has made it financially feasible for me to go back and get my Master’s degree without taking out student loans.” - Archways Participant, Charles City, IA

Archways Fact Sheet

Download in English
Descargar En Español

Read the full Archways to Opportunity anniversary report to hear how the program changed McDonald’s crew members’ career trajectory and impacted their lives.

10 Year Anniversary Report

Download in English
Descargar En Español
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Elizabeth Gomez
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Elizabeth Gomez discovered her calling to help others while working as a McDonald's crew member. Eventually trading in her spatula for a scalpel, she studied surgical technology through Archways to Opportunity and applies the same skills learned in the kitchen in the operating room.
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Yenis Blanco
Yenis Blanco: Student, Current Training Manager & 1 in 8 Member
After arriving in the U.S. from Central America, Yenis Blanco knew little English when she began working as a crew member. Now, she's a college student studying business through Archways to Opportunity and oversees the training programs at 15 McDonald's restaurants.
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Are You Part of the 1 in 8?
Are You Part of the 1 in 8?
We want to hear from you, the Crew, who make up the 1 in 8. Tell us how McDonald's played a role in your journey.
Share your story

Important Note:

McDonald's and McDonald's independently owned and operated franchisees are equal opportunity employers committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Most McDonald's restaurants are operated by independent franchisees who are independent employers, and set their own employment policies and practices, including pay and benefits for the people working in their restaurants. McDonald's USA does not control the independent franchisees' employment policies and practices and does not employ those working at franchised restaurants.