Coffee chain has invested up to $1.5 million in its key China Youth Program

Starbucks' unique blend of innovation and investment is helping college students reach their full potential.

The coffeehouse chain has invested $1.5 million in the Starbucks China Youth Leadership Program in the past three years.

This in turn has deepened the skill set of more than 1,500 Chinese undergraduates who have taken part from over 30 cities and rural regions.

"The success of the Starbucks China Youth Leadership Program has given us an incredible opportunity to witness the personal growth and development of these students," said Wei Chen, vice-president of Starbucks China.

Up to 300 innovative and entrepreneurial projects have been rolled out by undergraduates involved in the project, including nearly 190,000 hours of community service.

More than one million "positive responses" have been posted on social media sites, while the program has helped improve the lives of 300,000 people.

Last month, the project jointly developed by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation came to a close for a third year.

Wang Xing and nine other outstanding students were recognized with the "2017 Starbucks Youth Leaders" award during the two-day national finals at the China Soong Ching Ling Youth Science & Technology Cultural Exchange Center on Aug 8.

"Since joining the program, I now know the meaning of pursuing excellence and developing leadership skills," said third-year student Liang Chunying from the Zhuhai Campus of the Beijing Institute of Technology.

"Every situation requires a backup plan," she said.

Liang also developed an appreciation for other students and an understanding of the true meaning of teamwork.

"I have learned how to manage resources efficiently and leverage an innovative mindset to achieve results," she said.

The Starbucks China Youth Leadership Program is designed to help undergraduates develop their business acumen, as well as social and communication skills.

Hopefully, this will stand them in good stead and contribute to their future success.

"By working with the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation, Starbucks is actively committed to helping Chinese youth reach their full potential, as well as promoting public interest projects, which will become integral parts of our local communities," Wei, of Starbucks, said.

"It also further validates our commitment to supporting youth development as a cornerstone and long-term strategic priority of Starbucks' investment in local communities," Wei added.

The program has also played a part in helping undergraduates realize their Chinese Dream.

Students involved in the project are now better prepared to face the challenges of life and take on leadership roles.

"This is not just an essential quality for Chinese youth today, but it is also urgently needed (for them) to realize the Chinese Dream," said Jing Dunquan, vice-chairman of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation.

"Over these past three years, we have seen first hand how Chinese students are developing all aspects of their leadership skills," he said. "The Starbucks China Youth Leadership Program is a good platform for training talented youth in today's China."

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn