Jermaine Ford, Vice Chancellor for Economic and Workforce Development at SLCC; Chris Krampe, Owner/Operator for MacLaff, Inc.; Charletta Thomas, Training Supervisor for MacLaff, Inc; Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the SLCC Foundation; and Dr. Vincent June, Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at SLCC.
A partnership between McDonald’s and South Louisiana Community College will give employees financial help to pay for college. McDonald’s employees – at MacLaff, Inc. restaurants – utilizing the Archways to Opportunity program to help pay for college will now be able to access an additional $500 per semester from SLCC, for up to four semesters.
The Archways to Opportunity education program will allocate $150 million over five years and opens the door for thousands of its employees to pursue their education and career ambitions. “This helps make dreams come true for so many of our crew,” said E.J. Krampe, CEO for MacLaff, Inc., an owner/operator of 45 McDonald’s restaurants in the Acadiana and Baton Rouge area, encompassing 15 parishes.
“Many times, the cost of tuition and fees can be the sole deciding factor of attending college to better one’s life,” said Lana Fontenot, Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the SLCC Foundation. “This additional assistance from SLCC, combined with the McDonald’s Archways program can lessen financial burdens for students and allow them to focus on their educational success.”
Eligible crew members employed for 90 days can access up to $2,500/year with no lifetime cap with the Archways to Opportunity program. Eligible managers receive up to $3,000. This expanded tuition assistance program is available to all of McDonald’s 400,000 employees in the U.S.
“Our commitment to education reinforces our ongoing support of the people who play a crucial role in our journey to build a better McDonald’s,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO.
MacLaff Chief People Officer and owner-operator Chris Krampe pointed out, “Our employees will be able to pursue their education and career passions at their own pace. As an owner/operator, it’s important that we recognize the needs of our individual employees for a flexible schedule…. while on the job and in the classroom.”
Since its launch in 2015, Archways to Opportunity has increased access to education for more that 24,000 people and awarded over $21 million in high school and college tuition assistance. Graduates have received college degrees in Business Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Account Microbiology and more.
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About MacLaff, Inc
E.J. and Chris Krampe are second generation McDonald’s Owner/Operators. Their father, Ed Krampe, was the first McDonald’s owner/Operator in Southwest Louisiana and opened his first store in 1973. The Krampe brothers now operate 45 restaurants in southern Louisiana. The Krampe family has hired more than 70,000 area residents over the years, and E.J. and Chris are still guided by their father’s philosophy: “You’re only as good as your people.”
About McDonald’s
McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with over 37,000 locations in 120 markets. Over 90 percent of McDonald’s restaurants worldwide are owned and operated my independent local businessmen and businesswomen.
About Acadiana’s Community College
South Louisiana Community College is a comprehensive community college that operates campuses in Abbeville, Crowley, Franklin, Houma, Lafayette, Morgan City, New Iberia, Opelousas, St. Martinville, and Ville Platte. The college serves more than 15,000 students annually and offers an array of academic programs. Students earn associate degrees, technical diplomas, certificates, and industry-based certifications. It is ranked 14th among the Top 100 Associate Degree Producers as determined by Community College Week.