Apply for up to $20,000 in scholarships to attend the two- or four-year college, trade school, or graduate school of your choice for the 2025-2026 academic year.
KFC Foundation Scholarship
Pursue your dreams of higher education
The application is closed.
Winners will be announced late April.
How Does It Work?
- Submit your application by February 17
Your application will be reviewed to ensure it is complete and meets minimum eligibility requirements. If applying for the $10,000 or $20,000 scholarship, you will need to provide financial information and complete an additional essay. - A panel of judges will score your essay(s)
Scholarship recipients are selected based on their essay score.
- Get notified of your result
All applicants will be notified via email on April 28 if they will be awarded a scholarship or not. - Complete the scholarship acceptance form
Winners are required to complete the scholarship acceptance form by May 4. If the acceptance form is not completed by the deadline, the scholarship will be forfeited and awarded to the next in line.
This is a competitive program; not every employee who applies will receive a scholarship.
Additional Opportunities
The Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship
The Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship is awarded to one KFC Foundation Scholarship recipient per year to DOUBLE their award amount.* To be considered, applicants must complete an additional essay during the application process.
The GED Graduate Scholarship Guarantee
Those who earn their GED through the KFC Foundation, apply for a scholarship, follow all instructions, and meet all minimum eligibility requirements will receive either a $2,500 or $5,000 scholarship to further their future.
*Recipients of the $10,000 and 20,000 scholarship are ineligible for the Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship
Eligibility
- I’m employed at a KFC restaurant in the U.S. participating in the KFC Foundation’s Annual Donation Program and in good standing
- I’ve graduated from high school, earned my high school equivalency/GED, or will graduate from high school in 2025
- I’m enrolling in an accredited trade school, college, or graduate school for the 2025-2026 academic year
- I have a minimum GPA of 2.5 if applying for the $5,000 or $2,500 scholarship
- I have a minimum GPA of 3.5 if applying for the $20,000 or $10,000 scholarship
Scholarship FAQs
How do I know if my KFC restaurant is eligible?
Review the list of participating restaurants to confirm whether a restaurant is participating in the KFC Foundation Annual Donation program and is eligible.
How many hours do I need to work to be eligible?
There are no minimum hour requirements.
What are the scholarship amounts?
The KFC Foundation awards scholarships in the amounts of $2,500, $5,000, $10,000, and $20,000.
How many scholarships are awarded?
The KFC Foundation typically awards 400+ scholarships annually – totaling $2.5 million in educational support.
Will I lose my scholarship if I leave KFC?
You must still be employed when completing the scholarship acceptance form. If you terminate your employment with KFC at a later date, the scholarship is still yours to use.
What happens if I withdraw from school after being funded?
The KFC Foundation does not require students to pay back any of their tuition after a withdrawal.
To be eligible for the KFC Foundation’s programs, you must work at a KFC restaurant in the U.S. that participates in the KFC Foundation’s Franchise Donation Program.