Melvin Brewing: Companies That Value Education

The 21st-century has seen a rise in the level of Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, that is being allocated as part of the annual budget of organizations around the world. If we look back over the course of the last two decades, the main bulk of the funding spent on CSR in the education sector is focused on the Fortune 500 companies. The Guardian reports between 2011 and 2013, the CSR sector provided an estimated $2.6 billion annually with more growth seen in the last few years. However, startups and locally-owned companies, such as Melvin Brewing are playing a bigger role in the use of their funds to assist members of the local community to further their education.

1. Booking.com

One of the world’s leading online travel agencies, Booking.com is one of the companies that value long-term learning throughout the lives of its employees. The company has set aside a large budget each year to allow its employees to take different classes and courses that will allow them the time to take on a new academic challenge. The company has spent a lot of time trying to work out the best options when it comes to allowing its employees to learn, which includes the ability to take courses to improve the ways they serve their customers. An environment of learning is needed, in the view of the executives at Booking.com because the company believes this gives employees the mental agility to provide the best experience for its customers.

2. Melvin Brewing

There is no reason why it should only be the largest companies in the world who provide support for education. Melvin Brewing is showing community-based businesses can take part in the provision of support for the education sector. The brewery has been part of the community in Jackson, Wyoming since 2009 when the business opened its doors. The company has been giving back to the community across Wyoming since the early days of the business with a recent scholarship providing $1,000 to a lucky student who is deserving of extra financial support. After education you can check out https://breweryjobs.com/ for a job opportunity.

3. Burger King

Many fast-food restaurant chains provide excellent financial support to their employees and families of employees when it comes to scholarships for college. One of the most impressive companies in the foodservice sector is the Burger King chain that has provided scholarships and financial support to more than 24,000 high school students with more than $25 million provided in scholarships, according to Scholarships.com. If you are a current employee of a Burger King employee or are the spouse or dependent of an employee, you will be able to apply for a scholarship. Academic excellence is a prerequisite for applying for a scholarship with a 2.5 GPA required for any high school student to apply for financial support.

4. Stantec

The Stantec group operates across six continents with over 400 office locations allowing many learning opportunities for employees and those hoping to join the business. Stantec is a company operating across many different industrial sectors providing opportunities for learning for those from architectural offices to interior designers, and construction managers. The success of the company has been built on the ability to provide a healthy, educational experience for all employees and potential employees to enjoy. The business has opened its doors to interns at every office it operates to give them the chance to participate in the learning opportunities on offer throughout the Stantec corporation. The ability of interns to shadow experienced professionals has been integral to Stantec being the company of choice for many new graduates, according to The Muse.

5. Santander Bank

The Spanish banking giants have been one of the leaders in Europe when it comes to providing funding for educational programs across the continent. Banco Santander began its efforts to provide funding for educational programs across Spain before shifting its efforts to the other European countries where the financial institution has a strong presence. Banco Santander began its education funding program by asking ATM customers if they wanted to make a small contribution to its education program followed by matching donations from the bank adding up to more than $15 million in 2013 alone, The Guardian reports.

6. Chick-fil-A

This fast-food chain is well-known in the Southeast of the U.S. for its decision to remain closed on Sundays regardless of the 24-7 nature of modern business. The chicken restaurant is known for providing excellent financial support to its team members when they are looking to expand their educational opportunities. Chick-fil-A likes to make sure it is awarding one of its two types of scholarships to employees who are taking part in community service programs of some sort. The need for each student receiving support from the company to be a community leader is seen as part of the educational process. For those looking to attend an undergraduate program at college, the company provides up to $2,500 in scholarship funding. However, a student looking to take part in a postgraduate program will be able to apply for $25,000 in funding from Chick-fil-A if they meet certain criteria.

7. Google

The giant search engine corporation is one of the most impressive when it comes to its backing for financial support for students looking to study computer science and became part of this expanding field. Google and its parent company, Alphabet, are looking to have a positive impact on the computer science sector by providing funding for groups that are underrepresented in the field. In providing funding for different groups, Google is hoping to develop a growing area of support for members of the BAME community who have historically found it difficult to make breakthroughs into the computer science sector. One of the reasons why many students from high school seniors to graduate students apply for the Generation Google Scholarship. The scholarship provides a unique application process for those who are in with a chance of receiving financial support, including an invitation to a Google retreat where students are given a glimpse into the future on offer from the Internet giant.

Adam Hansen
 

Adam is a part time journalist, entrepreneur, investor and father.