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A Structured Workforce Education Model for Franchise Operators

 Ficus partners with franchise operators to implement employer-sponsored education benefits centered on fully online degree programs through University of the Cumberlands and supported by Kaplan-powered readiness pathways. 

 Education as a Retention and Leadership Strategy 

Workforce stability is no longer built through perks alone.  Join the hundreds of operators nationwide who have implemented structured workforce education pathways through Ficus. From GED preparation to accredited degree completion and leadership development, this structure strengthens retention, supports recruitment and builds leaders from within. Education becomes a long-term investment in people, not a transactional benefit.

Academic Partners

 What’s Included in the Ficus Workforce Education Model 

College Readiness

  • Test preparation course seats from Kaplan

  • GED preparation for team members pursuing degree pathways
  • ACT and SAT preparation for broader college planning
  • Communication and marketing resources for your restaurant
Explore Readiness Pathways

Debt-Free College Degrees

  • 120+ fully online, accredited Associate, Bachelor's and Master's degrees through University of the Cumberlands
  • Doctoral programs available for Operators
  • Structured 8-week sessions with multiple start dates
  • Dedicated success coaches and streamlined enrollment support 
  • Tuition fully covered
  • Required textbooks included
  • No graduation fee
  • Free career development and counseling services
  • Centralized implementation and communication support 
View Degree Options

 A Simple, Structured Model 

Operators enroll in the Ficus workforce education program and receive onboarding guidance, communication tools, and ongoing support.

Team members access readiness and degree pathways through structured enrollment cycles delivered by University of the Cumberlands. Ficus coordinates the program framework so you don’t have to manage the moving pieces.

This structure turns education from a perk into a workforce strategy — increasing engagement, strengthening leadership pipelines, and improving retention.

Getting Started is Straightforward

  • Schedule an Overview 

    We align on your workforce goals and team size. 

  • Activate Your Subscription 

    We tailor your subscription, allocate readiness seats and align degree pathways with your restaurant’s needs.

  • Launch With Support 

    Ficus provides communication materials and rollout guidance. Team members begin enrolling in structured cycles through University of the Cumberlands. 

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Hear What Chick-fil-A Operators Say

“If you can do anything to help them reach their goals and support them, then it’s worth it.”
"It creates that culture of Hey, they’re not just here to watch me sell chicken; they’re here to help me be a better person as well."
"You see team members show up to work differently when they’re also pursuing their education. They become more disciplined, more motivated and more passionate about what they do."

Frequently Asked Questions

How much administrative work is required?

Ficus manages program coordination and provides onboarding materials, communication templates, and structured enrollment cycles. Academic instruction is delivered through University of the Cumberlands, and Kaplan supports readiness programs. The model is designed to minimize administrative burden for operators while ensuring overall impact and strong ROI.

Is this tuition reimbursement?

No. Ficus operates as a structured workforce education model. Rather than reimbursing tuition after the fact, tuition is fully covered upfront through a centralized partnership model. This eliminates out-of-pocket costs for team members and removes reimbursement complexity. 

What exactly is covered?

Tuition for eligible team members is fully covered for Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs through University of the Cumberlands. Required textbooks are included and there is no graduation fee.

Kaplan-powered GED preparation and ACT/SAT course licenses are also available as readiness pathways. 

How quickly can we implement the program?

Implementation timelines vary slightly by organization, but most operators can launch within a defined onboarding window.

Enrollment cycles run in structured 8-week terms with a streamlined application process, allowing team members to begin six times per year without extended delays. 

Is this only for one location or can it scale across multiple restaurants?

The Ficus model is designed to scale. Operators with multiple locations can implement a consistent education benefit structure across their organization, creating alignment and long-term workforce stability. 

How is this different from offering a discount code or tuition partnership?

Ficus provides a centralized, employer-sponsored model built specifically for workforce development. Rather than offering passive discounts, the structure creates defined advancement pathways, predictable enrollment cycles and visible leadership progression.