McDonald's USA Announces Summer Hiring Surge, Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Archways to Opportunity
Archways to Opportunity releases new Impact Report, quantifying its impact on economic opportunity and educational advancement for more than 90,000 crew members
May 12, 2025
(CHICAGO – May 12, 2025) – In one of its biggest hiring pushes in years, McDonald’s and its franchisees expect to hire up to 375,000 employees in their restaurants across the country this summer. This comes as the Golden Arches expands our restaurant footprint by 900 new U.S. restaurants by 2027 and prepares to serve more customers over the summer months.
For 70 years, the Golden Arches and its franchisees have served as a launchpad for many people’s careers – offering more than just a paycheck. 1 in 8 Americans have worked at a McDonald’s restaurant and gained essential workplace skills like teamwork, responsibility, and customer service, while also having the chance to further their education. Through the McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity (Archways) program, restaurant employees are given the resources to create a pathway to advancement both within the company and beyond.
“I often think about the time I spent working in our restaurants as a General Manager, and it was immediately clear that crew members are the heart and soul of this brand,” said Joe Erlinger, President, McDonald’s USA. “They go above and beyond to take care of our customers, and it’s our job to take care of and create opportunities for them. When you put on an apron for a shift at McDonald’s, you’re building skills you’ll carry with you for life.”
Since its launch in 2015, McDonald’s and its participating franchisees have invested over $240 million in Archways to Opportunity and helped over 90,000 crew members earn their high school diploma, receive college tuition assistance, learn English as a second language and access education and career advising services.
“Seventy years as a brand, and ten years into Archways to Opportunity, we’re reminded that one of the greatest impacts we can make is providing access to opportunity,” said Michael Gonda, Senior Vice President and Chief Impact Officer, North America. “Behind every counter and Drive Thru window is a story of someone building skills, pursuing education, or working towards their future ambition. These stories--in thousands of communities across the country--reinforce that McDonald’s is more than a restaurant: it’s an open door for so many getting their start and a place where potential takes root."
It’s been a goal of mine for forever to receive a bachelor's degree. I worked so hard throughout the years. The day I graduated was just a dream come true. My children were there...and it was very emotional. My kids were crying seeing me walk across the stage for the first time.”
- Victoria Villa Valles, McDonald’s People Experience Leader
who earned her college degree through Archways
To commemorate Archways decade of impact, McDonald’s conducted a survey of current and former Archways participants and highlighted the findings in this 10th Anniversary Report. Participants said Archways led to:
- Unlocked Economic Potential: 80% believed Archways created more economic opportunities for them
- Professional Advancement: 64% said Archways helped them get a promotion more quickly
- New Doors Opened: 72% said Archways created new job opportunities for them
- Generational Firsts: 46% of Archways participants who earned a college degree were first- generation college students
- Career Transformation: 75% said Archways helped them pursue careers in new fields or industries
Just as important, Archways participants said the program restored their belief in themselves. Nearly 9 in 10 participants who were surveyed said the program gave them greater confidence in their skills and abilities. That’s due, in large part, to the overwhelming support of McDonald’s franchisees who have invested time and money to provide these resources in their workplaces. But it goes beyond that. For many participants, it’s about having someone in their corner who believes they can achieve anything.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of the Archways program is witnessing participants rediscover their self-confidence. I see this transformation in my teams every day,” said David Costa, McDonald’s Owner/Operator in Florida. “Supporting our people isn't just the right thing to do—it's our passion. My fellow franchisees and I are deeply committed to empowering crew and managers to achieve their greatest potential."
I always tell people you can do it. And even if you don’t do it the first time, you can go back and do it. You can try again.”
-Ann Bydash, Director of Human Resources at McDonald’s restaurants in Atlanta.
Earned her high school diploma at McDonald's and immediately enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program through Archways to Opportunity.
Start your career at McDonald’s by applying at jobs.mchire.com.