With no debt, and at no cost to her, this mother of three earned her high school diploma, associate’s degree, and now bachelor’s
In 2015, Jenny Escobar was one of the first graduates of McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity Career Online High School program. Now, the mother of three has earned her college degree from Colorado Technical University thanks to McDonald’s continued support.
As a young mother, Escobar was forced to drop out of high school to prioritize working and being a parent. “I left school prematurely, and never found the right time to return,” she said. “Going back to school was something I always knew I wanted to do as an example for my children and coworkers but could never quite find the time.”
Escobar started working at McDonald’s in 2001. The long-time restaurant employee was determined to earn a college degree, but not having a high school diploma made it impossible for her. Then, in 2015, Escobar learned of McDonald’s innovative new employee benefits program, Archways to Opportunity, which included the opportunity to finish high school—at no cost to her.
“Thanks to McDonald’s and the Archways to Opportunity program, I received my high school diploma through Career Online High School,” she said. “I wanted a better future, and this was my first step.”
Escobar could finally pursue her college dreams, while continuing to advance her career. She was promoted to General Manager upon her COHS graduation and enrolled in CTU immediately. She earned her associate’s degree in 2021 but didn’t stop there. She has now earned a bachelor’s in business management.
Escobar credits the Owner/Operators of her restaurant franchise, the Rodriguez family, with making this opportunity available to her and her coworkers.
She was recently featured on 7 News Miami after a surprise graduation celebration at the Miami, Florida, McDonald’s restaurant where she works. Her proud moment was shared with her children and coworkers, as well as franchise Owner Nick Rodriguez. Watch the news story.