The Burger King Scholarship is a program set up and fueled by the Burger King McLamore foundation together with its fast food chain. This Burger King foundation was established after the passing on of James W. McLamore, one of the biggest Burger King’s founders. The Burger King Scholarship program aims to help scholars who want to further their education, being held back by socioeconomic challenges.
This scholarship program was established in 2000 and has helped thousands of scholars since then. It aims to be the bridge between financially underprivileged scholars and top institutions, helping them actualise their aspirations and reach greater heights, through learning, research and career development.
Who Can Apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
Application for the Burger King Scholarship is not restricted to race, ethnicity, nationality or religion, any student can apply. Following are some of the major things you should look out for before applying, so as to give you an edge during their selection and admission process, they are;
- You must be an undergraduate.
- You should plan on enrolling in college the following year.
- Your results should have good grades. It is preferred you try to earn a GPA of 3.0 and above to be at an advantage.
- Participate actively in extracurricular activities outside academics, such as community development projects, community service, projects and lots more.
- You don’t have to be an official at any Burger King to apply, it is a free for all application.
- Employees of Burger King and their family members are allowed to opt for a special scholarship.
This scholarship program is specifically for students in Canada, Puerto Rico and the United States. You really don’t have to be the top student of your class before you can apply. Burger King looks for students who work hard, have zeal and are willing to help others learn and grow.
Types of Burger King Scholarships
There are a variety of scholarships that the Burger King offers, here is a breakdown:
1. James W. McLamore Whopper Scholarship: This is the biggest scholarship award. It is awarded to just a few students and it gives financial support of $50,000 every year till the end of your study.
2. Burger King Scholars Program: This type of Burger King Scholarship is the major program the Burger King Foundations started with. It gives financial aid of $1000 to $50,000 to students each academic year.
3. Employee Based Scholarship: This scholarship category as earlier stated in this article is specifically for Burger King workers and their families.
Note that the amount of financial aid you get every academic year varies based on the scholarship program you applied for. Even the smaller awards can sure help ease a lot of college costs you may incur.
How to Apply for the Burger King Scholarship?
The application process of the Burger King scholarship is an easy straightforward one. Here are the steps you should take, one at a time and you’re good:
- Once applications are open , usually around September and October. Visit the Burger King Scholarship Website. Create an account and pick a form, fill in your necessary information as required.
- Upon application, you may be given essay topics to write on concerning your academic, life goals, aspirations and community service.
- Submit your high school transcript. It is ideal that you have good grades and maintain a GPA of 3.0 and above.
- Gather as many letters of recommendations as you can from your pastor, mentors, uncles, teachers etc.
- Send in your application for whichever scholarship program you prefer, on time before the deadline which is usually in December.
During the course of application, if you’re asked about your hobbies, extracurricular activities, volunteer work and community service. It is important you take your time and fill out the correct information, to avoid complications later during your study.
How Burger King Awards Scholars
This is a breakdown of how the scholars are awarded by Burger King.
- After submission of applications, they are reviewed carefully.
- They rank grades, extracurricular activities, essays and letters of recommendations.
- They choose their finalists considering their selection criteria.
- For the biggest scholarship award like the W. McLamore Whopper Scholarship, the selected scholars might be invited to an online or offline interview.
- They then do the final selection, pick winners and let them know.
These 5 processes take a few months to be completed after registration. Burger King usually announces the selected few during spring.
What You Can Use the Scholarship For?
After being awarded the Burger King Scholarship, these are what you can use it for:
- Tuition: The Burger King Scholarship covers your tuition fee for your full four to five years of study. Note that it varies based on the scholarship type you signed up for.
- Books: The Burger King Scholarship covers all book expenses for your study.
- Fees: additional or extra college fees are covered by the Burger King Scholarship.
- Accommodation: some types of Burger King Scholarship may cover accommodation and board expenses.
Note that the money for all these goes directly to your school bill. To maintain orderliness and to make sure the money is used for the purpose it was awarded.
Final Words
The Burger King Scholarship is a transformative offer for students. It has helped to cut down college expenses up to 99%. This scholarship program is one that rewards dedication, talent and hardwork. It is not just restricted to top students alone but scholars who are passionate about learning, their community and are willing to grow with others.
If you’re looking to apply for college it is ideal you apply for this scholarship program. Even if you don’t win, which I know you’ll. The whole application process is one that’ll help you reflect on your goals, dreams and aspirations.
The Burger King is not just about selling burgers and other edibles. Through their scholarship program, they aim to invest greatly in the future if tomorrow’s leaders. By giving them a chance to pursue their education, dreams, goals, aspirations and make an impact in their society.
