SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MOD Super Fast Pizza Holdings, LLC (“MOD Pizza”, “MOD” or the “Company”), today announced its “MOD Scholars” high school diploma program, an education benefit for its 8,300+ MOD Squad members across the US. In partnership with nationally accredited Penn Foster, eligible Squad members at company-owned stores can now earn their high school diploma while employed at MOD. Along with covering 100% of tuition for each Scholar, “MOD Scholar Mentors” will provide individual support to each student as they work towards their degree.
The program is open to Squad members at any stage of their high school progression, supporting them through completion, including:
- Rolling enrollment for 25 students; as students graduate, additional Squad members will be offered a spot
- Full tuition coverage for eligible full-time and part-time Squad members; Squad members must receive a manager recommendation to be enrolled
- Flexibility to allow students to progress at their own pace
- A Penn Foster trained MOD Scholar Mentor for each student to provide encouragement, guidance, and day-to-day support
- Technology tools, including computers and hotspots, for those without access
- Support for students with an individualized education program (IEP)
“We believe in supporting our Squads and providing bridges to help them succeed at MOD and beyond. We’ve learned that a lack of a high school diploma can pose a significant barrier to career progression and wage growth,” said Marty Pisciotti, senior vice president of people, MOD Pizza. “Our goal with the MOD Scholars program is to help our Squads unlock career opportunities, open the door for college and provide economic mobility and long-term stability whether at MOD or in the next step of their journey.”
The first cohort of MOD Scholars are now enrolled in the program and are working towards their diplomas.
“I made it to the last week of my senior year of high school, but wasn’t able to graduate. I had missed too many days of school due to issues at home,” said Jessica, a MOD general manager. “I look forward to earning my degree through this program and going to college. In the future, I’d like to become a mentor for other students as I continue my career at MOD.”
The MOD Scholars program is one of many resources focused on providing stability and economic mobility for 8,300+ MOD company employees. MOD also believes in inclusive hiring practices, offers free meals to its MOD Squad and provides crisis support through its “Bridge Fund.” In 2020, the Bridge Fund provided over $750,000 in grants to assist employees in crisis during the pandemic. For its efforts to create an inspired place to work, MOD is often recognized as a progressive employer, including being named Fortune to its “Change the World” list and as a “Best Workplace” in several categories.
ABOUT MOD PIZZA
MOD Pizza is a purpose-led, people-first brand founded in Seattle in 2008 by serial entrepreneurs Scott and Ally Svenson. MOD serves individual artisan-style pizzas and salads that are made on demand, allowing customers to create their own pizzas and salads with any combination of over 30 toppings, all for one incredible price. With 490+ locations system-wide*, MOD is committed to creating not only a cool place to eat, but an inspired place to work. MOD recently earned a spot on the Fortune 2019 “Change the World” list, for its purpose-led culture and commitment to provide opportunities to individuals with barriers to employment. The Company has also been named America’s fastest growing chain restaurant by Technomic for four years running and named the most loved pizza brand by Foodable Network. MOD has earned a spot on the Inc.5000 list and has been recognized by Fortune as one of the “20 Best Workplaces in Retail,” a “Best Workplace for Women,” a “Best Workplace for Millennials”.
*The term “system-wide” refers to all company-operated and licensed store locations.
The trademarks MOD, MOD Pizza, and the MOD Shield, are owned by MOD Super Fast Pizza, LLC.
ABOUT PENN FOSTER
Penn Foster is bridging the gap between education and economic opportunity to build the workforce of tomorrow. We partner with employers to design and deliver digital and blended learning programs that attract, upskill, and retain workers in America’s fastest-growing fields and professions. With more than 40,000 graduates each year, Penn Foster helps individuals discover pathways to opportunity through accredited diploma, certificate and degree programs that matter in the world of work. For more information, visit https://www.partners.pennfoster.edu.
