News

KFC awards educational grants to hourly employees

September 26, 2013

The Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation has awarded REACH Educational Grants to 508 hourly KFC team members.

In the past two years, more than 800 employees have received grants worth nearly $1.5 million. Since 2006, an additional $10 million in college scholarships have been awarded by the foundation.

"Every day at KFC, we are inspired by Colonel Sanders' legacy and his belief in the importance of determination, passion and philanthropy," John Cywinski, president of KFC U.S., said in a news release. "Today, the foundation is focused on the KFC REACH grant program, which assists KFC restaurant hourly team members and shift supervisors in pursuing their educations."

REACH grant recipients include a 43-year-old single mother, who is a full-time college student and a breast cancer survivor. Her goal is to become a radiologic technologist and help others who are diagnosed with cancer. Also, 20-year-old grant recipient Karla Anzora moved to the U.S. five years ago. She is a college student who works more than 25 hours a week to help support her family in El Salvador. Her goal is to become an immigration lawyer.

Of the more than 500 REACH grant recipients for 2013, 54 percent are already attending college and 40 percent are recent high school graduates entering college.

The $2,000 grants help recipients attend four-year or two-year educational institutions. Winners are selected via an application process and may reapply each year. Team members and shift managers who work at least 15 hours a week are eligible to apply.

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