Chick-fil-A will award $1.35 million in educational scholarships to 543 of its employees in Atlanta this year. The Atlanta-based company announced a $5.7 million increase in scholarship funds to its employees this year, bringing to $14.5 million the amount to be disbursed to employees across the nation.
The funds will help approximately 5,700 employees pay for their college education.
According to a company statement, 13 of the 5,700 employees will receive $25,000 in scholarships while the rest will get $2,500 through its Remarkable Futures Initiative.
“We want to provide Team Members with not only essential job skills and leadership development opportunities while working in Chick-fil-A restaurants, but also help them receive the best education to support their career aspirations – whatever they may be,” said Rodney Bullard, executive director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation.
The Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures Initiatives has three educational assistance programs: The Chick-fil-A leadership scholarship, the True Inspiration Scholarship and through offering Educational Assistance Opportunities such as tuition discounts.
“We are thrilled to increase funding this year to help even more team members achieve their fullest potential,” said Bullard.
The awards are given to students based on leadership, academic achievement, community involvement or need.
The company began awarding scholarships to its employees in 1973. Nearly 46,700 employees have benefited from the $60.5 million the company has disbursed since then.
5,728 employees received $2,500 through the Chick-fil-A leadership scholarship. That included the 543 recipients in Atlanta.
13 employees received $25,000 through the True inspiration Scholarship awarded based on financial need, leadership, academic achievement and community involvement.
