KFC Foundation Scholarship

Apply for up to $20,000 in scholarships to attend a two- or four-year college, trade school, or graduate school for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Geographic Scope: United States only

Award Amounts:

• $5,000 scholarship
• $10,000 scholarship
• $20,000 scholarship

Eligibility Requirements:

• Employed at a KFC restaurant in the U.S. participating in the KFC Foundation's Annual Donation Program and in good standing
• Have graduated from high school, earned a high school equivalency/GED, or will graduate from high school in 2026
• Enrolling in an accredited trade school, college, or graduate school for the 2025-2026 academic year
• Minimum GPA of 2.5 for $5,000 scholarship
• Minimum GPA of 3.5 for $10,000 and $20,000 scholarships
• No minimum hour requirements
• Must remain employed when completing scholarship acceptance form (scholarship remains valid if employment terminates later)

The Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship

Awarded to one KFC Foundation Scholarship recipient per year to double their award amount. Applicants must complete an additional essay during the application process. Recipients of $10,000 and $20,000 scholarships are ineligible.

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 a $5,000 scholarship.

Important Notes:

• This is a competitive program; not every employee who applies will receive a scholarship
• Scholarship is not forfeited if student withdraws from school after being funded
• Must maintain good standing with employer per applicable employment policies
• Application window timing: Check website for next application window

Eligibility Verification: Employees must verify their KFC restaurant participates in the KFC Foundation Annual Donation program through the participating restaurants list.

Contact/More Information: kfcfoundation.org/scholarships/

Application Process

1. Submit Your Application
   • Complete the scholarship application
   • Application will be reviewed for completeness and minimum eligibility requirements
   • For $10,000 or $20,000 scholarships: provide financial information and complete additional essay(s)
   • For Janet L. Kuhn Scholarship consideration: complete additional essay during application process
2. Essay Review
   • Panel of judges will score your essay(s)
   • Scholarship recipients are selected based on essay score
3. Notification
   • All applicants will be notified via email of award status
4. Scholarship Acceptance
   • Winners are required to complete the scholarship acceptance form
   • If acceptance form is not completed by deadline, scholarship will be forfeited and awarded to next in line
   • Must be employed at time of acceptance form completion

Required Materials

• Completed scholarship application
• Essay(s) - required for all applicants; additional essays required for higher award amounts and special consideration
• Financial information (for $10,000 and $20,000 scholarship applicants)
• Proof of high school graduation, GED, or expected graduation in 2026
• GPA documentation
• Proof of enrollment at accredited trade school, college, or graduate school for 2025-2026 academic year