The US coffee company 'Starbucks' is to provide a free online college education to thousands of its workers. The arrangement with Arizona State University means they do not even have to remain with the firm.
The program is open to any of its 135,000 US employees - provided they work at least 20 hours a week and have the grades and test scores to get into Arizona State University.
For a barista with at least two years of college credit, the company will pay full tuition; for those with fewer credits it will pay part of the cost, which is around US$6,500 (€4,790).
However courses will be free for many of them with government and university aid.
The plan has even got the attention of The White House:
Great news: @Starbucks will provide free college tuition to thousands of employees ? http://t.co/GxMT1d6xiS #CollegeOpportunity #ReachHigher
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 16, 2014
Starbucks has long offered other benefits which are seen as unusual in the low-wage service sector - including health insurance for part-time employees and stock options.
Nearly half of Americans who begin college today will not actually finish, largely due to the costs and work-life balance.
Starbucks says that more than 70% of their employees are students or aspiring students.
The Starbucks College Achievement Plan means employees can choose from 40 undergraduate degree programs through Arizona State University's online programme.
