This spring, the KFC Foundation awarded $2.5 million in scholarships to over 450 restaurant employees. Eleven exceptional individuals were selected to receive $20,000 toward pursuing their educational dreams. Read about their stories of resilience and determination.
Sunnyside, WA
Franchisee: Harman Management
Edith is a freshman pursuing a bachelor’s in social work at Heritage University and a first-generation college student. She began working at KFC in 2022 as a team member and was quickly promoted to shift supervisor. After graduation, Edith is excited to start her career as a social worker, striving to make the world a better place by aiding those suffering from mental disorders or addiction.
Alondra Brito
Glendale, AZ
Franchisee: PAK Foods
Alondra is a first-generation college student who will start her journey at the University of Arizona this fall to pursue a bachelor’s in psychology. She moved to the United States with her family at the age of eleven after losing her father to gun violence to seek better opportunities. She is the first in her family to graduate high school and did so while balancing sports, being involved in many clubs, and working at KFC. Passionate about helping others, Alondra plans to become a psychologist and give back to her community.
Sutton, NY
Franchisee: KBP Foods
Mark is a first-generation college student who will start his journey at West Virginia University this fall to pursue an associate’s in neuroscience. He has been working at KFC as a team member since 2022 and hopes to be promoted to shift supervisor before heading to college.
Abigail Davis
Willard, OH
Franchisee: Abalar Fast Foods, Inc.
Abigail will attend the University of Toledo this fall to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She began working at KFC in 2022 at the age of sixteen but has known KFC all her life, as her dad is a franchise owner, and she plans to keep working for the organization throughout college. In addition to her studies, Abigail will play violin in the University of Toledo’s orchestra. After completing her degree, Abigail plans to continue her education and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
Modesto, CA
Franchisee: Harman Management
Jaydin will attend Boise State University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s in biology. He has been working at KFC since his sophomore year of high school, remaining active in sports and clubs while completing a dual-enrollment program, allowing him to graduate with a high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Modesto Junior College. Jaydin’s dream is to become a doctor, and he looks forward to helping citizens in need in the future.
Arlee Griffin
Lockport, NY
Franchisee: KBP Foods
Arlee will attend Cornell University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s in psychology. She started working at KFC in 2023 as a team member to finance her lifelong dream of pursuing higher education. In high school, she served as co-captain on the women’s softball and swim teams and belonged to several clubs focused on community service. Arlee looks forward to making a meaningful impact in the field of psychology.
Genesis Jorgensen
Yucaipa, CA
Franchisee: Kentucky Fried Chicken of Polly’s, Inc.
Genesis is a first-generation college student who will be pursuing a licensed vocational nursing program at Beaumont Adult School. She has been a team member at KFC since 2022 in addition to working as a caregiver. Genesis has always wanted to become a nurse and plans to continue her educational journey to become a registered nurse after completing her licensed vocational nursing program.
Emma Larson
Murrysville, PA
Franchisee: Ampex Brands
Emma will attend Eastern University, her dream college, this fall to pursue a career in nursing. She has been working at KFC as a team member since her sophomore year of high school. In her spare time, she likes to create digital art and play the piano, and she plans to continue both activities in addition to her studies at Eastern University. She looks forward to helping others in the future as a nurse.
Torrance, CA
Franchisee: RBD
Alyssa is a five-time scholarship recipient pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing at West Coast University and a first-generation college student. She began her journey with KFC as a team member in 2019, determined to save for college. She is proud to represent the Mexican American community while achieving her educational goals and expects to graduate in 2026.
Alexa Rosario
Whitehall, PA
Franchisee: T R and J, Inc.
Alexa is a first-generation college student who will be pursuing an associate’s degree in medical technology at Pennsylvania State University. She began working at KFC in 2022 as a team member and was quickly promoted to shift supervisor. After graduation, Alexa is excited to start her career as an x-ray technician.
Keegan Smith
Diamond, IL
Franchisee: Dave Brahmbhatt
Keegan is a nursing student at the University of St. Francis, set to graduate in 2025. He has been a team member at KFC since 2020 and was awarded a $5,000 scholarship last year. Winning an even bigger scholarship this year, Keegan is excited to complete his last year of schooling without taking out any loans.
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