Chipotle Mexican Grill, in partnership with Guild Education, has expanded its Cultivate Education program to offer eligible employees debt-free degrees from leading nonprofit, accredited universities in agriculture, culinary arts, and hospitality. When it launched in 2019, the program covered tuition costs for 75 different business and technology degrees through Guild.
"Diversifying our debt-free degree program with new majors and partner universities makes our educational benefits even more inclusive," said Marissa Andrada, chief diversity, inclusion, and people officer at Chipotle, in a statement. "Through our partnership with Guild, we are committed to accelerating our employees' professional growth and helping them achieve personal success by offering opportunities to pursue career paths in their particular area of interest."
Employees become eligible to pursue degrees after 120 days of employment. To date, Chipotle has seen a retention rate of 3.5 times higher among students enrolled in the program and crew members who use the benefit are 7.5 times more likely to move into a management role within the organization.
"Chipotle's debt-free degree program expansion highlights its deep commitment to employees' economic opportunity and professional advancement," said Natalie McCullough, president and chief commercial officer at Guild Education, in a statement. "By expanding Cultivate Education to include a variety of programs aligned to the company's mission, Chipotle is continuing to lead as an innovator in employee development and wellness."
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Image: Chipotle Mexican Grill