A dad, a daughter, and the pursuit of a college degree

Lewis, 26, is pursuing his degree in art history through ASU Online as part of the Starbucks College Achievement Plan. In partnership with ASU, the program offers tuition reimbursement for all benefits eligible Starbucks partners (employees). A Seattle native, Lewis started working at Starbucks in 2010.

Given his work schedule and new role as a dad, a traditional four-year institution was not the right fit for Lewis. He needed the flexibility that ASU Online provides and the financial assistance provided by the College Achievement Plan to finally take the plunge and ensure he’s set up for success.

Lewis is not alone as he balances work, life and being a dad. Less than a third of U.S. undergraduates are ‘traditional’ students in the sense that they are enrolled full-time at a four-year residential college. Further, a recent study from the National Center for Education Statistics found that 62 percent of students work either full or part time and 28 percent have at least one dependent. Today’s students are increasingly “non-traditional” and likely to be moms and dads themselves, but are no less passionate about earning a degree.

For Lewis, his four-month old daughter spurred his decision to pursue his degree online. He and his wife, who is also an ASU Online student, both see their degrees as a launching pad. “I’ve just started looking at career options and feel that with my degree, I will be better positioned as I start to pursue a job in my field. Now there is a world of opportunity.”