Archways to Opportunity

Here you can read a brief overview about the different educational paths offered to our employees. You can also skip straight to the Archways to Opportunity homepage by clicking the icons below for more detailed information.

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English Under the Arches

English Under the Arches (EUA) is an English as a Second Language (ESL) program that teaches employees working in McDonald’s restaurants the English they need to communicate effectively and confidently with customers and staff every day. EUA provides a series of courses to meet the needs of students with varying English proficiency levels, and allows students to progress systematically to gain speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.

As of January 1, 2015 classes are FREE to restaurant employees and their Owner/Operator.

88% retention rate of graduating students 1 year after class
78% retention rate of graduating students 3 years after class
85% graduation rate
87% 1 or more level improvement on BEST + language test

High School Diploma

Career Online High School gives you the flexibility you need to balance work and school.

You can graduate from high school by taking classes online – whenever and wherever it’s convenient for you through Career Online High School. And, you may be able to apply credits from high school courses you’ve already completed.

The average time to complete is only 12 to 14 months. But you have 18 months to complete the program, so you set the pace that works best for you.

College Degree

If you are ready to get started working toward your college degree, we offer programs to help make your goals a reality – in a way that fits your lifestyle.

Our programs can help you explore educational opportunities while getting financial support to make your educational journey easier.

Who's Eligible?

Full-time restaurant manager or staff of a participating Franchise Owner/Operator

You are eligible for $3,000 in Tuition Assistance each year if:

You work a minimum of 30 hours per week for that Franchise Owner/Operator.
You are in good standing as determined by the Franchise Owner/Operator.

Restaurant crew (including maintenance), part-time manager or part-time office staff of a participating Franchise Owner/Operator

You are eligible for $2,500 in Tuition Assistance each year if:

You are employed by the same Franchise Owner/Operator at least 90 cumulative days as of the time of the Tuition Assistance Request application completion.
You work an average of 15 hours per week for that Franchise Owner/Operator.
You are in good standing as determined by the Franchise Owner/Operator.

McDonald's Partners

Advising

Create an education plan or learn more about the programs we offer. Schedule a free advising appointment!

How do I sign up?

To sign up for Advising, follow the instructions below to register.

Go to the ISTS website at https://mcdta.applyists.net
Create an account (or log in if you have an existing account)
Click the “Advising Sign-Up” button
Enter your personal contact information
Select your role as “Franchise Owner- Operator restaurant crew, management or staff”
Enter your restaurant city, state, and address
Fill in the requested information for your advisor
Click "Schedule An Appointment"
Select “Restaurant Employee Advising Session”
Select your time zone. (Ensure the time zone is correct.)
Click “Continue”
Select a date and time
Click “Continue”
Provide your contact information
Click “Done"

Once you have signed up for advising, check your email! A confirmation email will be sent along with a link to reschedule your date and time if needed.