Starbucks is now working with leading companies in the US to hire 100,000 teenagers and young adults aging from 16 to 24 years old. Large companies like Microsoft, Alaska Air Group, CVS Health, Lyft, Wal-Mart Stores, Cintas, Hilton, HMSHost, JPMorgan, JCPenny, Chase, Macy's, Proch.com, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Taco Bell, Target andWalgreens participated in the program called '100,000 Opportunities Initiative' which is set to be accomplished by the year 2018.
Those who will be hired will be working as interns, apprentices and part- and full-time employees by 2018. Young people who face difficulties in obtaining jobs and education will be given a chance through this movement.
The partnership was spearheaded by Howard Schultz, Starbucks Chief Executive who promised to recruit at least 10,000 young people last March. Employees who are leaving the participating companies will be replaced by the 100,000 newcomers.
The coffee giant currently runs 12,000 branches in the US where more than 150,000 employees work. With the company's wide scope, it is able to provide opportunities to those who will be hired.
Chairman and CEO of Starbucks states, "By using our scale to create pathways to affordable education and meaningful employment for these young men and women, we're strengthening both our workforce and our economy."
Schultz added that this program will offer pathways and opportunities to those who will benefit from it. The leader revealed that he can relate to many unfortunate young people having grown up in public housing and being exposed to the difficulties of life.
Christopher J. Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide also expressed his views regarding the '100,000 Opportunities Initiative'.
"As one of the largest hospitality companies in the world, we are in a unique position to leverage our size, scale and expertise to close the opportunity gap for young people in a meaningful way."
The first 'Opportunity Fair and Forum' will be conducted in Chicago this coming August 13 wherein at least 200 jobs will be offered. Over 2,000 young people who will participate in the event will be trained. The event targets to hire 1,000 individuals in the Chicago area.
