Chick-fil-A is known for more than just its famous chicken sandwiches; the company has also built a strong reputation for investing in its employees’ futures.
One of its most significant initiatives is the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures™ Scholarship program, which offers millions of dollars in educational aid to Team Members each year.
What is the Remarkable Futures Scholarship?
The Remarkable Futures Scholarship is an annual program for Chick-fil-A Team Members in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
It provides financial assistance for college, university, or vocational school. The program is part of Chick-fil-A’s broader commitment to community service and creating opportunities for its employees.
The scholarships are paid in advance directly to the educational institution, easing the financial burden on students.
The program offers three different award amounts, giving applicants multiple opportunities for support.
Scholarship Award Tiers
The Remarkable Futures initiative features two primary scholarship categories with different award amounts and eligibility criteria.
| Award | Amount | Key Details |
| True Inspiration Scholarship | $25,000 | Awarded to a limited number of students who demonstrate exceptional financial need, leadership, and community involvement. It is a one-time award in a recipient’s lifetime. |
| Leadership Scholarship | $1,000 or $2,500 | Awarded to a larger group of Team Members who demonstrate care, service, and a commitment to their education. |
A key benefit of the program is that if you apply for the $25,000 True Inspiration Scholarship and are not selected, your application is automatically considered for the $2,500 or $1,000 Leadership Scholarship.
Who is Eligible for the Chick-fil-A Scholarship?
To apply, you must meet a set of specific criteria. While there are some differences between the award tiers, the foundational requirements are consistent.
General Eligibility Requirements
Employment
You must be employed by a Chick-fil-A franchised, company-owned, or affiliated restaurant (like Dwarf House).
Enrollment
You must be a current postsecondary undergraduate or graduate student, or be planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college,
university, or vocational-technical school for the upcoming academic year.
GPA
Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Community Involvement
Show a commitment to community service and care for others.
Additional Requirements for the $25,000 Scholarship
The True Inspiration Scholarship has more stringent criteria:
GPA
A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Work Tenure
You must have been employed at Chick-fil-A for at least one year by January 1 following the application deadline.
Financial Need
You must demonstrate significant financial need, which is assessed based on information provided in the application.
Degree Status
Applicants must be pursuing their first degree of a specific type (e.g., your first bachelor’s degree, not a second one).
How to Apply: A Step by Step Guide
The application process is managed through Scholarship America. Follow these steps to ensure your submission is complete and on time.
Start Your Application
Visit the official Chick-fil-A scholarship portal on the Scholarship America website (cfa.scholarsapply.org). You will need to select your restaurant location to begin.
Complete Your Profile
Register on the platform and fill out your personal and academic information. This includes details about your school, GPA, and work history at Chick-fil-A.
Answer the Essay Questions
The application will include short-answer questions about your leadership experience, community service, and educational goals.
Take time to craft thoughtful and authentic responses.
Request Recommendations
The application requires at least one recommendation from your Chick-fil-A Operator/Interim Manager.
You can also submit an optional external recommendation from a teacher, coach, mentor, or community leader who is not related to you.
Note: The recommendation request is sent only after you submit your application.
Submit Your Application
Double-check all sections for accuracy and completeness before the deadline.
2025 – 2026 Application Timeline
Staying on top of deadlines is crucial. Mark these dates on your calendar to keep your application on track.
| Date | Milestone | Details |
| August 19, 2025 | Application Opens | The application portal becomes available for the 2026–2027 academic year. |
| October 21, 2025 | Application Deadline | All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM CST. |
| November 4, 2025 | Recommender Deadline | All recommendations must be submitted by 5:00 PM CST. |
| April 23, 2026 | Notification of Status | Applicants are notified of their award status via email from Scholarship America. |
| April 30, 2026 | Acceptance Deadline | Recipients must complete their Scholarship Acceptance Form (SAF). |
| June 13, 2026 | Checks Mailed | Scholarship checks are sent to recipients’ home addresses, made payable to the school. |
Tips for a Strong Application
Start Early
Give yourself plenty of time to gather information, write your essays, and request recommendations.
Highlight Your “Remarkable Future”
Connect your work at Chick-fil-A to your future aspirations. How has your experience shaped your goals?
Be Specific About Service
Instead of just listing activities, describe your impact. Quantify your contributions where possible (e.g., “organized a food drive that collected 300 cans for the local shelter”).
Choose Your Recommenders Wisely
Your Operator’s recommendation is vital. Have a conversation with them about your educational goals.
For the optional recommendation, choose someone who knows you well and can speak to your character and achievements outside of work.
Proofread Everything
Typos and grammatical errors can detract from an otherwise strong application. Read your responses aloud or ask someone else to review them.
Beyond the Scholarship: Tuition Discounts
- In addition to the Remarkable Futures Scholarship, Chick-fil-A offers another valuable educational benefit.
- Through a partnership with over 100 colleges and universities, Team Members have access to tuition discounts, sometimes available to their family members as well.
- This network makes higher education more accessible and affordable, regardless of whether you receive a scholarship.
A Legacy of Opportunity
The Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s an investment in people.
By providing resources for education and professional development, Chick-fil-A empowers its Team Members to build a brighter future, both within the company and beyond.
If you are a dedicated Team Member with a passion for learning and service, this scholarship is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
