The company also awarded $325,000 to 13 community members through Chick-fil-A™ Community Scholars, a program that helps contribute to the education of service-minded students who demonstrate leadership and academic excellence.
The company has awarded more than $245 million in scholarships to date.
ATLANTA, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chick-fil-A, Inc. today announced its biggest investment in education to-date: 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 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.
Sarah Noble-Eggie, a team leader at Chick-fil-A Manchester Expressway in Columbus, Ga., is a second-year undergraduate student working toward a bachelor’s degree online. A young mother and military spouse, Sarah has remained committed to her education and plans to build a career rooted in hospitality and service.
Carlos Rojas, a Team Member at Chick-fil-A West Schaumburg in Illinois, is a freshman at Northern Illinois University pursuing a degree in psychology with a focus on health administration. This scholarship will allow Carlos to live on campus, eliminating his daily two-hour commute.
Gustavo Almeida, a Team Member at Chick-fil-A Brookfield in Connecticut, after Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew T. Cathy surprised him with a scholarship. Driven by an interest in cars and hands-on experience working alongside his uncle, Gustavo plans to use this scholarship to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering.
Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew T. Cathy with 2026 Chick-fil-A Community Scholars, who he surprised at the company’s Support Center in Atlanta.
Yamanni Tay, a Team Member at Chick-fil-A North Bergen in New Jersey, currently studies nursing at Fairleigh Dickinson with plans to graduate in 2028
"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.
Yamanni Tay, a Team Member at Chick-fil-A North Bergen in New Jersey, is one of the scholarship recipients and is currently studying nursing while being a full-time caretaker for her mom. "This scholarship has helped lift a significant financial burden and came at a time when I was navigating personal challenges," said Tay. "This scholarship is giving me the freedom to pursue my education more confidently and focus on my long-term goals rather than the stress of tuition and applying for financial aid."
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.
About Chick-fil-A, Inc. Chick-fil-A, Inc. is the third largest quick-service restaurant company in the United States, known for its freshly-prepared food, signature hospitality and unique franchise model. More than 200,000 Team Members are employed by local Owner-Operators in more than 3,000 restaurants across the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the UK and Singapore.
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts and making a positive impact. Chick-fil-A gives back through programs including Shared Table, True Inspiration Awards and Scholarships. The family-owned and privately held company got its start in 1946, founded by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.com and Chick-fil-A Press Room.
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