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

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, it has helped over 90,000+ restaurant crew members by providing the flexibility and financial support they need to further their education journey.

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 participants shared:

Archways opened up more economic opportunities

  • 64% said the Archways program helped them get a promotion more quickly
  • 72% said Archways opened up new job opportunities for them

While many Archways grads advanced at McDonald’s, many chose to follow their dreams elsewhere

  • 75% of participants agree that Archways helped them pursue a career in a new field or industry
  • 19% of Archways grads joined the healthcare industry, 9% started careers in education, and another 9% work in business/accounting and IT.

Nearly half (46%) of Archways participants were first generation college students.

Among Archways participants who are first generation:

  • 95% are employed (after leaving McDonald’s)
  • 81% have a feeling of job satisfaction
  • 48% have already been promoted in their current job.

“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

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
Survey Fact Sheet

Kendall Hurns
Kendall Hurns: Creative Entrepreneur, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member
Designer, entrepreneur, and artist are just a few of Kendall Hurns' many titles. But perhaps the most relatable: former McDonald's Crew. What started as a part-time restaurant job evolved into a life-long membership, making Kendall Hurns a part of the 1 in 8.
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Joy Frank-Silmon
Joy Frank-Silmon: McDonald’s Owner-Operator, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member
When Joy Frank-Silmon started working at her father’s McDonald’s restaurant, she figured it was just another high school job. But twenty years later she returned to the Golden Arches – this time to take over the family business as an owner-operator.
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Elizabeth Gomez
Elizabeth Gomez: Surgical Technologist, Former Crew & 1 in 8 Member
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.