This spring, the KFC Foundation awarded $2 million in scholarships to over 330 restaurant employees across the country. —helping them take the next step toward their educational dreams.
In a nod to KFC’s famous 11 Herbs & Spices, 11 outstanding students are selected each year to receive $20,000 scholarships—recognizing not only their academic achievements, but their resilience, determination, and drive to build a better future.
From first-generation college students to aspiring nurses, doctors, and business leaders, each recipient has a powerful story to tell. Meet this year’s $20,000 scholarship winners.
Coventry, RI
Franchisee: DE Foods
Bailey is a team member at KFC who will attend Brown University’s highly selective program in liberal medical education, where she will pursue a future career in medicine. Inspired by her mother’s journey to the United States and the strength of generations of women in her family, Bailey is driven to build a life rooted in purpose and service.
Curious by nature, Bailey is passionate about answering the “why” behind complex medical challenges and hopes to make a meaningful impact on patients and their families.
Yakima, WA
Franchisee: Harman Management
Miguel is a team member at KFC and a first-generation student pursuing a career as an electrician at Perry Technical Institute. Becoming a father at 19 reshaped Miguel’s perspective, fueling a strong commitment to building a stable, supportive future.
Balancing work, school, and parenthood, Miguel has developed resilience, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. Miguel is focused on creating long-term stability for family while leading by example each day.
Yakima, WA
Franchisee: Harman Management
Joaquin is a team member at KFC and a first-generation college student who will attend Gonzaga University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Inspired by his parents’ sacrifices, Joaquin is committed to creating a better future and becoming the first in his family to attend college.
Balancing school, work, and family responsibilities, Joaquin has developed a strong determination and perseverance. With long-term goals of working in anesthesia, he is focused on building a career where he can make a meaningful impact while giving back to the family who has supported him every step of the way.
Promise Gonzalez
Caldwell, ID
Franchisee: Stewart Restaurant Group
Promise is a team member at KFC and a first-generation college student pursuing a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) in Kinesiology at The University of Texas at Austin. A previous KFC Foundation scholarship recipient, Promise is on track to become the first in her family to earn both a bachelor’s and advanced degree.
Motivated to create opportunities her family never had, Promise is passionate about representation and giving back. Through her work and internships, she is committed to showing others from similar backgrounds that higher education is possible—and that they belong in those spaces.
Josue Hernandez
Pico Rivera, CA
Franchisee: ISMO Management
Josue is a team member at KFC and a first-generation college student who will attend San Francisco State University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Growing up in a low-income household, Josue faced housing instability and later overcame a diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma while still in high school.
These experiences shaped Josue’s determination to build a better future. As the oldest sibling, Josue is motivated to break the cycle of poverty, create new opportunities, and serve as a role model for family.
Hayden Lum
Federal Way, WA
Franchisee: Harman Management
Hayden is a team member at KFC and a first-generation college student who will attend Purdue University to pursue a degree in electrical engineering. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how things work, Hayden is passionate about solving problems and improving systems that impact others.
Through academics and leadership experiences, Hayden has supported peers by organizing study sessions and encouraging confidence in others. Looking ahead, Hayden hopes to build a career in innovation while continuing to empower those around him.
Taylor Podob
Irwin, PA
Franchisee: Ampex
Taylor is a shift supervisor at KFC and a five-time KFC Foundation scholarship recipient who will attend the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree. After being diagnosed with severe scoliosis in middle school, Taylor found confidence and healing through physical therapy—an experience that inspired a passion for helping others.
With over 1,700 hours of experience as a rehabilitation aide, Taylor is committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care. As a first-generation college student, Taylor aims to help others regain both mobility and confidence.
Krystal Salmeron
Moses Lake, WA
Franchisee: Kentucky Fried Chicken of W.E.M., Inc.
Krystal is a shift supervisor at KFC and a first-generation college student who will attend Gonzaga University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting. A dual-enrollment Running Start student, she is on track to graduate with both her high school diploma and an associate degree while balancing work and academics.
Inspired by her parents’ resilience, Krystal is determined to become the first person in her family to earn a college degree and build a strong foundation for her future.
Aberdeen, OH
Franchisee: Widder Management
Amber is a team member at KFC and a first-generation college student who plans to attend Northern Kentucky University to pursue a degree in education. Inspired by her father—who has supported their family for over 30 years—Amber is motivated to build a future grounded in hard work and care for others.
Passionate about working with children, Amber hopes to become a teacher who creates a supportive and encouraging classroom where students feel confident and inspired to learn.
King City, CA
Franchisee: Baker Management Group, Inc.
Rodrigo is a team member at KFC and a first-generation college student who will attend San Jose State University to pursue a degree in aviation. A dedicated student pilot, Rodrigo has already logged flight hours while balancing work, academics, and leadership responsibilities.
After a sports injury shifted his path, Rodrigo redirected his focus toward aviation and embraced the challenge of a demanding career. He aspires to become an airline pilot and demonstrate what’s possible through perseverance.
Shamokin Dam, PA
Franchisee: V & L Drive-In
Kirsten is a team member at KFC, a four-time scholarship recipient, and a caseworker serving families through Children and Youth Services. She is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Rutgers University to expand her impact supporting individuals and families in need.
Guided by a strong commitment to service, Kirsten aims to strengthen communities by providing support, resources, and advocacy for those navigating challenging circumstances.
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