Paul Quinn will be the “Debt-Free” program’s inaugural HBCU, according to Marissa Andrada, the company’s Chief Diversity, Inclusion and People Office. Other participating institutions of higher learning include Brandman University, The University of Arizona, Bellevue University, Wilmington University, and Southern New Hampshire University.
College and universities employ brochure printing services to encourage the selection of their institution.
Addressing Chipotle’s decision to include Paul Quinn College, Andrada said:
"Ensuring we provide inclusive benefits and a support system for our employees and recognizing the importance of offering an HBCU in our education program will continue to aid in our efforts to cultivate a better world."
Chipotle has a reputation for offering educational benefits. The company provides for the full cost of tuition for eligible employees seeking any of 75 kinds of business and technology degrees in conjunction with the education benefits company Guild Education. The benefit is available to employees after 120 days of employment.
It was in 2016 that the company launched the Cultivate Education program whereby employees could seek college cost reimbursement. In 2019, it began covering college costs up front with its debt-free program. So far, 8,000 employees have benefited.
Crew members make up 85% of the program’s beneficiaries.