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Dear Family,

I am so excited to pass along some big news from Starbucks. I've been working on this for the last 10 months, since my first day. And it is the real deal... something that will create a transformational opportunity for thousands and thousands of people. Please see below. NYT is breaking the story later tonight/early tomorrow, and I'll send that link along once it comes through.

Love you!
Casey

From: Partner Communications
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2014 3:30 PM
To: DL - US - Non-Store Partners
Cc: Partner Communications
Subject: Message from Howard: Introducing our Starbucks College Achievement Plan

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To: Starbucks partners; managing directors for Americas company-operated and joint venture markets
Date: June 15, 2014
Re: Message from Howard: Introducing our Starbucks College Achievement Plan

Dear partners,

In 1971 two great things happened. At the time, I couldn't have known that both would have a profound impact on my life. First, I was accepted to college. I would be the first in my family to attend college, thanks in large part to the athletic scholarship I received. Without that financial support, my college education would not have been a reality, and the doors that degree has opened for me would have remained closed. Second, Starbucks Coffee Company was founded and opened its very first store in Pike Place Market.

Since the beginning of my time as your leader, I've wanted us to build a different kind of company together-a company that would make you proud. As we've grown, we've worked to exceed your expectations. Healthcare and Bean Stock were revolutionary investments when they began, and these continue to form the cornerstones of our company's and our partners' successes. 43 years into our company's journey, I am extremely proud to announce an equally powerful investment that will open up lifelong opportunities for thousands of eligible full-and part-time partners in the U.S.

For better or worse, a lot has changed since 1971. Today, attaining higher education in America has become increasingly difficult. Across the U.S., rising tuition costs are making it harder for this generation of college students to remain in school and to graduate with manageable debt. Compounding this problem, many students do not receive the support they need, or lack the time required to balance the demands of work and school. Access to and affordability of higher education have arguably become two of the greatest issues facing this generation. Starbucks has the opportunity and responsibility to change this.

Beginning this October, our Starbucks College Achievement Plan will offer support to our eligible U.S. partners, of every brand, who have the dream of completing their college degree. Through an innovative collaboration with Arizona State University (ASU), we're offering you the chance to complete your degree through ASU's top-ranked program, delivered online. Designed specifically for you, our Starbucks partners, the Starbucks College Achievement Plan is unlike any benefit of its kind, anywhere, and includes:


* Full tuition reimbursement to complete your degree: Juniors and seniors will receive full tuition reimbursement through to graduation.

* Scholarship and financial aid for foundational work of your degree: Freshman and sophomores will receive a partial tuition scholarship, and may also qualify for generous, need-based financial aid from ASU in addition to federal student aid.

* A quality education and respected degree: ASU is the largest public university in the United States, and is ranked in U.S. News & World Report's Top 10 Online Bachelor's Degree programs. ASU's online degrees are identical to those awarded to on-campus students - the same content, taught by the same award-winning faculty.

* A supportive learning community: Students will have a dedicated enrollment counselor, financial aid counselors and academic advisors to support them from application to choosing a major, right through to graduation. Flexible online class schedules will help you to balance school with your work and life.

* Freedom of choice, with no strings attached: Starbucks partners may choose from more than 40 undergraduate bachelor's degree programs at ASU, including but not limited to majors that are directly relevant to a Starbucks career. You will have no commitment to stay at Starbucks after you graduate. An education is yours to keep.

Why invest in our partners' education?
You give us your best, and you should have what you want from life. Education is the best investment you can make in yourself, and investing in you is one of the best things we can do as we aspire to become one of the world's most enduring and admired companies.

As a Starbucks College Achievement Plan student, you will combine an excellent education at ASU with the meaningful experience in business, leadership, and world-class customer service you gain through your work as a Starbucks partner. This is a rare and highly valued combination, and I am confident the world will recognize our Starbucks College Achievement Plan graduates as diverse, exceptionally well-prepared individuals.

Why team up with ASU?
As we've asked you over the past several years, it's become clear that what you want is the ability to make choices and personal investments today that will set you up for future success. In seeking a university partner for this benefit, three things were non-negotiable: like-minded values, a quality of education that was second to none, and a reach that could match the diversity and ambition of our U.S. partner family. Arizona State is the only University that could stand side-by-side with Starbucks.

ASU is among the most forward-looking public universities in the country. The Wall Street Journal ranked ASU fifth in the nation for producing the best-qualified graduates, and in recent years, ASU has emerged as a true leader in top-quality online education, combining an award-winning faculty with innovative student services so that every student receives a personalized education.

Whichever apron you wear, and however you choose to pursue your education, you will have our support. Please take time to learn more about our Starbucks College Achievement Plan for yourself or for your fellow partners by visiting starbucks.com/collegeplan<http://www.starbucks.com/collegeplan>.

Please enjoy this Father's Day, and please join us live tomorrow, June 16, at 10:45 a.m. ET / 7:45 a.m. PT for a live webcast<http://www.media-server.com/m/p/ct3xupgx> of our first-ever U.S. Partner Family Forum, where I'll have the chance to share this news directly with our New York-based Starbucks and Teavana partners and their families. Join our partners on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #tobeincollege.


Onward,
Howard


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