More than 800 employees currently enrolled in Cengage Learning’s Career Online High School (COHS) through McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity employee education program

Last week, Cengage Learning’s Career Online High School (COHS) and McDonald’s announced an important milestone in their partnership to bring education opportunities to employees at participating U.S. restaurants: more than 100 employees have earned their high school diplomas and career certificates. COHS is offered to employees through McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity employee education program. Archways to Opportunity is a comprehensive education program that provides eligible U.S. employees at participating restaurants an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education advising services and learn English as a second language.

The program is making a real impact. The video here tells the story of Yenis Blanco, a young woman who recently moved to America and got her first job at a McDonald’s restaurant in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining the company, Yenis spoke little to no English. With the help of McDonald’s and her independent franchisee, Yenis was able to learn English as a second language and earn her high school diploma. Now five years later, she manages a large restaurant team and is pursuing higher education to become a law enforcement officer.

For more information on the milestone, see the press release from McDonald’s and Cengage here.