KFC Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Kentucky Fried Chicken
Attend the college, trade, or graduate program of your choice in 2025–2026 with scholarship awards up to $20,000. Next application window: January 5 to February 9, 2026 Overview - Awards available up to $20,000 to support attendance at a two- or four-year college, accredited trade school, or graduate program for the 2025–2026 academic year. - This is a competitive scholarship program; submitting an application does not guarantee an award. How the selection process works 1. Submit your application - Applications are checked for completeness and to confirm basic eligibility. Applicants pursuing the $10,000 or $20,000 awards must also provide financial information and complete an extra essay. 2. Essays are evaluated - A panel of judges scores the submitted essay(s). Scholarship decisions are based on those scores. 3. Notification - All candidates will receive email notification informing them whether they were selected to receive a scholarship. 4. Accepting an award - Awardees must fill out and return the scholarship acceptance form. If the acceptance form is not completed by the stated deadline, the award will be forfeited and given to the next eligible candidate. Extra award opportunities - The Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship - One KFC Foundation Scholarship recipient each year will have their award amount doubled. To be considered for this honor, applicants must answer an additional essay prompt when applying. - Note: Recipients of the $10,000 or $20,000 scholarships are not eligible to receive the Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship. - GED Graduate Scholarship Guarantee - Individuals who earn their GED through the KFC Foundation, submit a scholarship application, follow all instructions, and meet the minimum eligibility requirements will be guaranteed a $5,000 scholarship. Eligibility requirements To apply you must meet all of the following: - Be employed at a KFC restaurant in the United States, be enrolled in the KFC Foundation’s Annual Donation Program, and be in good standing with the program. - Have already graduated high school, obtained a high school equivalency/GED, or expect to graduate high school in 2026. - Plan to enroll in an accredited trade school, college, or graduate program for the 2025–2026 academic year. - Meet the minimum GPA requirement for the award sought: - Minimum 2.5 GPA to apply for the $5,000 scholarship. - Minimum 3.5 GPA to apply for the $10,000 or $20,000 scholarships. Questions? Refer to the official application materials during the January 5–February 9, 2026 application period for full instructions and deadlines.
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