McDonald's wants to help more of its U.S. employees further their education.
The fast-food company said Thursday it plans to funnel $150 million over five years into its tuition-assistance program. It also is making the program more accessible to employees by reducing eligibility requirements.
To be eligible, McDonald's employees will need to have worked for the company for only 90 days, down from nine months, and work 15 hours a week, instead of 20 hours.
McDonald's started the Archways to Opportunity program in 2015 to help workers learn English, earn high school diplomas or pay for college tuition.
Now, restaurant workers can receive up to $2,500 a year for tuition. They could previously only get up to $700.
McDonald's is just the latest company to increase employee benefits after the tax overhaul cut the corporate tax rate. Other food-and-beverage chains, like Chipotle and Starbucks, have similarly rewarded their employees with bonuses or benefits.
McDonald's said the changes to its tuition-assistance program will officially take effect May 1 but are retroactive to the beginning of the year.
