Starbucks CEO spearheads plan to hire 100,000 unemployed young people

SEATTLE — Executives from some of the country's biggest companies plan to hire 100,000 unemployed young Americans.

Quick Facts:

  • Effort called 100,000 Opportunities Initiative
  • Coalition led by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz
  • 17 companies participating
  • Group to host job fairs

The effort is spearheaded by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, who promises to hire 10,000 young adults by the end of 2018.

Sixteen other companies joined the pledge, including Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and Microsoft.

USA Today reports an estimated 5.5 million Americans ages 16 to 24 aren't employed or in school.