The company continues its 53-year investment in education of future generations
The Rundown:
- In 2026 in Canada, 63 Restaurant Team Members received scholarships totaling about C$180,360 (US$130,500).
- Through the Chick-fil-A Remarkable Futures® Scholarships program, Chick-fil-A, Inc. awarded more than C$40 (US$29) million in scholarships to more than 16,000 restaurant Team Members.
- The company also awarded about C$450,000 (US$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 approximately C$388 (US$245) million in scholarships globally to date.
TORONTO, ON (April 7, 2026) – Chick-fil-A, Inc. today announced its biggest investment in education to-date: awarding more than about C$40 (US$29) million in scholarships to Chick-fil-A® restaurant Team Members and community leaders across Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. The scholarship program reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing opportunity through education, helping lift a financial burden for Team Members and students in the community.
“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 honoured to support and celebrate these remarkable students as they continue to grow, learn and serve others.”
Each Team Member scholarship recipient was awarded individual US$25,000 cheques in their respective restaurant across the country, with Cathy personally presenting each one to unsuspecting Team Members in front of their friends and family.
Maria Suarez, a Team Member at Chick-fil-A West Edmonton Mall in Edmonton, AB, is one of the scholarship recipients. She was recognized for the work she does at Chick-fil-A while simultaneously pursuing a journalism degree and supporting her loved ones back in Ecuador.
“Maria brings warmth, joy and a strong sense of purpose to every shift, leading by example in all that she does,” said Karleen Rhodes, Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A West Edmonton Mall. “This scholarship recognizes her dedication and growth while helping her continue her education and build a brighter future for herself and her family.”
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 the US$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.
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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 United Kingdom and Singapore.
Chick-fil-A opened its first Canada restaurant in 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. In 2024, the brand announced plans to expand its international footprint with up to 20 additional restaurants across Canada by 2030.
Chick-fil-A local Owner-Operators live and work in the communities their restaurants serve, each supporting local efforts to address hunger, education and making a positive impact. The family-owned and privately held company was founded in 1967 by S. Truett Cathy. More information on Chick-fil-A is available at www.chick-fil-a.ca and @ChickfilANews.
Corporate Media Hotline: (800) 404-7196
Email: [email protected]
X (Twitter): @ChickfilANews