Starbucks Begins Testing Fellowship Program Where Employees Spend Half of Work Week at Local Nonprofits

Corporate-owned coffee giant Starbucks announced it selected 36 service fellows across 13 U.S. cities to begin testing a six-month program that allows them to spend up to half of their work week at local nonprofit organizations.

CNN Money noted the brand’s philanthropic arm awarded a grant to nonprofit volunteer group Points of Light, who gave stipends to participating employees. Fellows will spend at least 20 hours per week working for Starbucks, and up to 20 hours per week at a local organization that aligns with the company’s philanthropic priorities, some of which include supporting refugees, eliminating hunger, protecting the environment and assisting in disaster relief.

“When employees are engaged in communities and they feel connected, they're going to stay with Starbucks longer. … That's all great for business," said Virginia Tenpenny, VP of global social impact at Starbucks.