ATLANTA (press release) – Chick-fil-A, Inc. announced its biggest investment in education to-date. The fast food company is awarding more than $29 million in scholarships to Chick-fil-A restaurant Team Members and community leaders across the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. The organization shares that the scholarship program, administered by Scholarship America, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing opportunity through education, helping lift a financial burden for Team Members and students in the community.
In New Orleans, and the surrounding areas, 117 team members were awarded scholarship funds. Bailey Luna, the operator of Chick-fil-A Thibodaux, has awarded the most scholarships across the region.
“Chick-fil-A is deeply committed to investing in the futures of both our restaurant Team Members and community leaders,” said Andrew T. Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, Inc. “Education creates opportunities that can help your future, and we’re honored to support and celebrate these remarkable students as they continue to grow, learn and serve others.”
Each Team Member scholarship recipient was awarded with individual $25,000 checks in their respective restaurant across the country, with Cathy personally presenting each one to unsuspecting Team Members in front of their friends and family.
Chick-fil-A also awarded its fourth class of Community Scholars, a program that helps pay for the education of service-minded students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence. Scholars visited the Chick-fil-A Support Center in Atlanta, also receiving a surprise award from Cathy.
Recipients of $25,000 scholarships also have the opportunity to participate in a 12-month leadership development program, which includes mentoring and professional development opportunities.
Scholarships funded by Chick-fil-A, Inc. are awarded up front and are applicable at any qualifying school, college or university. There are no employment tenure requirements for restaurant Team Members, some of whom have received a scholarship multiple times. 2027 scholarship applications will open this fall.
