The Chick-fil-A Scholarship: Requirements and Application Process
Chick-fil-A is committed to investing in the future leaders of tomorrow. Through its scholarship programs, the company provides financial assistance and leadership development opportunities to students pursuing higher education. These programs are designed to support not only Chick-fil-A Team Members but also community-minded students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.
Chick-fil-A's Commitment to Education
Creating greater access to education is one of the best ways Chick-fil-A serves communities. The roots of the Chick-fil-A Scholarship trace back to the early 1950s. S. Truett Cathy and his team set an empty container on the counter of the Dwarf Grill in Hapeville, Ga., for customers and Team Members to donate to Team Member Eddie White’s college fund. Thanks to the contributions from customers and colleagues, Eddie was able to attend Morris Brown College. This small act of community support laid the foundation for what would become Chick-fil-A’s long-standing commitment to education. To date, Chick-fil-A has awarded more than $191 million in scholarships to over 105,000 employees. Last year, over 15,000 Team Members were awarded more than $27 million in scholarships to support their academic goals.
Overview of Chick-fil-A Scholarship Programs
Chick-fil-A offers two primary scholarship programs: the Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program and the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Program. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program
The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars Program is available to undergraduate and graduate students who will enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or technical/vocational school. Through the Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program, they’ve put more than $600,000 into the education of students who are making a difference in their communities-even if they’re not working at Chick-fil-A. Recipients will be selected based on their academics; activities, awards, and honors; community service/volunteering; online recommendation; and financial need.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be residents of the United States. All applicants must be 26 years old or younger and reside in the United States.
- Students interested in this one-time, $10,000 scholarship can be current high school seniors applying to an accredited two or four-year institution or pursuing advanced or vocational credits at accredited colleges, universities or vocational-technical schools.
- Applicants are NOT required to be citizens or permanent residents of either country.
- Have a minimum GPA of 3.0. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). Academic awards and recognition will be considered.
- Demonstrate financial need. Financial need will be considered. Finalists must demonstrate need.
- Be involved in community service activities. You need to have participated in community service in the twelve (12) months prior to application. Examples of community service include mentoring other students, serving in church, participating in community clubs and serving non-profit organizations.
Award Details:
If selected as a Chick-fil-A Community Scholar, the student will be granted up to a $25,000 award. Every year, Chick-fil-A awards twelve students $25,000 scholarships to help cover the costs of tuition, fees, books, and other school-related expenses at any accredited college, university, or vocational/technical school. The $25,000 Scholarship is a one-time award. Up to thirteen (13) awards will be granted. Awards are one-time only; however recipients may request to disburse their award over a period of one (1) to six (6) years. Any unused funds remaining after six (6) years after the recipient is awarded will be forfeited. Awards may be used for all education-related expenses. In addition to a $25,000 scholarship, Chick-fil-A Community Scholar award recipients are part of an annual cohort of leaders who receive a year of mentoring and professional development.
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Application Process:
- Submit an application form through the official Chick-fil-A scholarship portal. The application can be found at cfa.scholarsapply.org or chick-fil-a.com/scholarships. Please be sure to thoroughly answer each question on the application.
- Upload a current complete transcript of grades. A current or most recent, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Current complete transcripts of grades.
- Include at least one online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than November 11, 2025 at 3:00 pm central time. At least one online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than November 11, 2025 at 3:00 pm central time.
- Financial information may be required to demonstrate need. Provide a copy of your parents’ first two pages of their IRS 1040 income tax form or the T-1 Canadian income tax return.
Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Program
The Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Program is an education assistance program to support employees' pursuit of higher education and personal growth. Every year through the Remarkable Futures Scholarship program, $1,000, $2,500 and $25,000 scholarships are awarded to Team Members who work at a franchised, company-owned and/or affiliated restaurant.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be Team Members who work at a franchised, company-owned, and/or affiliated restaurant. Operated Restaurants, and Team Members of STC Brand Restaurants. Truett Cathy brands (Truett’s Grill®, the Dwarf House®, Truett’s Luau®, Truett’s Chick-fil-A®). or a Chick-fil-A® restaurant.
- There is no minimum length of service requirement for Chick-fil-A Team Members to apply.
- Team Members are not required to remain employed after being notified of their scholarship award.
Award Details:
Winners receive scholarships worth $1,000, $2,500, or $25,000. Formerly known as the S. Truett Cathy Award, the True Inspiration Scholarship will award two Team Members from each region a scholarship worth up to $25,000. The scholarships can be used at any accredited college, university or technical/vocational school and are available for both full-time and part-time students. Recipients of the Remarkable Futures Scholarships can use the funds for educational related expenses. The $25,000 Scholarship is a one-time award.
Application Process:
- The application can be found at cfa.scholarsapply.org or chick-fil-a.com/scholarships.
- Please be sure to thoroughly answer each question on the application.
Detailed Requirements and Considerations
GPA Requirement
Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). Academic awards and recognition will be considered.
Community Service
You need to have participated in community service in the twelve (12) months prior to application. Examples of community service include mentoring other students, serving in church, participating in community clubs and serving non-profit organizations. The level of community service will be evaluated and considered, along with other requirements, in the selection process. There is not a specific hours requirement.
Demonstrated Care & Service
It is Chick-fil-A’s shared vision to be the World’s Most Caring Company. Here you are able to share how you have demonstrated care and service for others.
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Use of Scholarship Funds
Awards can be used for tuition, fees, books and educational related expenses incurred at the school. Scholarship checks are made payable to the school and cannot be applied toward student loans or refunded to students.
Eligibility Clarifications
- High School Students: You are eligible if you will be dual enrolled or enrolling full time at a postsecondary institution for the 2024-2025 academic year. I am still in high school. Can I apply? You are eligible if you will be dual enrolled or enrolling full time at a postsecondary institution for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Graduate Students: Yes. I am pursuing graduate school. Can I apply for the scholarship? Yes.
- School Choice: When filling out the application, enter what school you think you will be attending. Once recipients are selected, school choices can be changed. I am uncertain of what school I will be attending for the 2024-2025 academic year, can I change this? When filling out the application, enter what school you think you will be attending. Once recipients are selected, school choices can be changed.
Operator Involvement
The recommendation is required to have a complete application. What does my Operator need to do? The recommendation is required to have a complete application.
Professional Achievement
Professional achievement could include testimony of demonstrated leadership, contribution, work ethic, teamwork, and others.
Application Tips for Success
You might be feeling excited about applying for the Chick-fil-A Scholarship. But are you ready to make the best impression? A little preparation can go a long way!
- Start Early: Starting early will allow more time to ask questions, gather transcripts and thoughtfully complete your application. Beginning early will allow more time to ask questions, gather transcripts and thoughtfully complete your application. It will also give your recommender more time to fill out the recommendation portion.
- Be Specific: When answering questions, include specific details about academic honors, community care and service opportunities, etc., to make your application as informative and competitive as possible.
- Seek Recommendations: A strong recommendation can make a big impact on your application.
Additional Resources and Information
- Visit Chick-fil-A.com/scholarships for more information or talk to your Operator. How do I know if I am eligible to apply? I am still in high school. Can I apply? You are eligible if you will be dual enrolled or enrolling full time at a postsecondary institution for the 2024-2025 academic year. Visit Chick-fil-A.com/scholarships for more information or talk to your Operator.
- If you have questions, Scholarship America’s staff would be happy to help.
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