Partnering with Reach Higher to Support Education Across America

McDonald’s is a proud supporter of Reach Higher’s mission to empower students to take charge of their future and own their success. On May 1, McDonald’s took the stage at Reach Higher’s annual College Signing Day event in Los Angeles, California to congratulate 9,000 LA-Area Students on their college acceptance and encourage their success.

Ron Williams, McDonald’s Operations Associate, shared his experience working at McDonald’s and taking advantage of tuition assistance through the Archways to Opportunity program to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. Brea Williams, a 2018 McDonald’s Thurgood Marshall College Fund scholarship recipient, also shared how the scholarship money she was awarded from McDonald’s helped her pay for tuition and books this past year – bringing her a step closer to her dream to be a civil rights attorney and eventually a Congresswoman.  Both were honored at the chance to meet with former First Lady Michelle Obama and share their stories.

During the event, McDonald’s Vice President and Global Chief Diversity Officer, Wendy Lewis and Kyle Webb, local franchisee and CFO at Webb Family Enterprises celebrated students in Pauley Pavilion and around the country.  McDonald’s and its franchisees play a pivotal role in young people’s education. To date, McDonald’s has increased access to education for over 38,500 people and awarded over $58 million in high school and college tuition assistance. In addition, the brand supports six $10,000 scholarships through the Black and Positively Golden Thurgood Marshall Fund and 30 scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 through HACER National Scholarships.

To learn more about McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program, please visit ArchwaysToOpportunity.com.