McDonald’s Archways Program Reaches Tens of Thousands, Expands Training

McDonald’s ongoing Archways to Opportunity initiative continues to serve as the company’s central education and career development effort for restaurant employees. Since its launch the program has reached tens of thousands of eligible workers and awarded tuition assistance in six figure totals, milestones the company highlights as evidence of impact on employee learning and mobility.

The program provides multiple pathways for advancement. Employees can enroll in English language education and pursue a high school completion option through Career Online High School. College tuition assistance is available for qualified participants, and the program includes career advising and tools to map workplace skills to longer term career pathways. These combined services aim to help employees who lack credentials or who need language support to move into higher paying roles both inside and outside the restaurant system.

McDonald’s has also invested in supportive digital tools to connect workers with resources. An Archways to Careers mobile app helps employees explore career options and connect with advisors. In some markets McDonald’s has created pathways to have on the job training recognized as micro credentials or converted into university credit, expanding the value of workplace learning for formal career progression.

Archways operates systemwide for eligible employees, though participation by franchisees varies by market. Company operated restaurants and participating franchisee restaurants both may make employees eligible, but access can differ depending on local franchise decisions. That uneven rollout affects how broadly the program supports retention and internal talent pipelines across the system.

For employees the program can reduce barriers to education, support upward mobility, and strengthen ties to the employer through visible investment in skills and credentials. For managers and corporate leaders Archways serves as a workforce development tool intended to improve retention and create internal promotion opportunities, but its uneven availability means benefits are not uniform for all crew members.

For program details, eligibility, and enrollment employees can visit archwaystoopportunity.com or consult McDonald’s corporate education pages for current offerings and application steps.