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KFC searching for the $20,000 Tweet

November 16, 2010

KFC is adding a modern-day twist to its scholarship application program.

Through Nov. 26, KFC is looking for the perfectly succinct message sent via Twitter by a high school senior for the chance to win a $20,000 college scholarship.

This new web-based promotion is part of the KFC Colonel's Scholars program. Students who draft a single tweet about why they exemplify Colonel Sanders' commitment to education and community enrichment, as well as why they deserve a college scholarship, will be considered for the award.

The catch? Participants have to sum it all up in 140 words or less, including the hashtag #KFCScholar.

This unusual application process will culminate Dec. 1 with the announcement of the winner, who will receive up to $5,000 each year for the next four years to pursue a bachelor's degree at an accredited, in-state public university.

"Every year, the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation awards more than 75 scholarships to college hopefuls who are committed to both their education and enriching their communities,” said John Cywinski, chief marketing and food innovation officer for KFC. “This year, through one of the hottest emerging forms of media, we want to offer students a creative way to realize their dreams of obtaining a college education."

The campaign runs now through Nov. 26. Applicants need to include the #KFCScholar hashtag. Tweets will be reviewed after Nov. 26 to ensure proper eligibility requirements have been met, including:

• Graduate from high school this academic year
• Earn a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 2.75
• Plan to pursue a bachelor's degree at a public, in-state college or university with a start date no later than Sept. 30, 2011
• Be a U.S.citizen or permanent resident

The KFC Colonel's Scholars program is now in its fifth year and is part of the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation. The program has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships since its inception, including 75 scholarship awards last year. More information is available online.