Meet 20-year-old McDonald’s Swing Manager and high school graduate, Ana Iris - a McDonald's Archways to Opportunity success story.
McDonald’s Archways to Opportunity program increases access to education for McDonald’s managers and crew through its Career Online High School, college tuition assistance, English language courses and more.
Longing to earn high school diploma
Ana Iris moved to the United States from El Salvador when she was 14 years old and has worked at a McDonald’s restaurant owned by Van Management in Fairfax, Virginia since 2017. She’s also a single mother to an adorable little boy.
When Ana Iris first began working at McDonald’s, she didn’t know how to speak English fluently, and she hadn’t continued her education past 10th grade. Her son had become her number one priority – but she still longed to eventually earn her high school diploma.
Management and colleagues supporting her ambitions
While working at McDonald’s, Ana Iris learned about the Archways to Opportunity program and the chance it offered her to complete her high school education.
Her management and colleagues were eager to help her achieve her goals by enrolling in the Career Online High School, one of Archways to Opportunity’s offerings. She began her studies in the Career Online High School in 2019.
Celebrating high school graduation with colleagues

14 months later, Ana Iris officially became a high school graduate. Everyone at Van Management is so proud of Ana Iris. They've watched her grow into a strong young woman who’s achieved one of her dreams – and she’s planning to go to college and teach her son the importance of education.
Van Management held a small, COVID-safe, high school graduation celebration for Ana Iris – cap and gown included.
Achieve your personal goals with a career at McDonald's
McDonald's believes that we all get better together – that education and training can unlock a world of potential for people and communities. This is why McDonald’s has a long-standing commitment to provide training, education and career pathways to empower people and the communities it serves.
Grow both personally and professionally in your career.
Start by securing a rewarding job with McDonald's.
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