McDonald’s Scholarship

The McDonald’s Corporation has proven to be more than a tasty hamburger brand. It is a global enterprise that employs thousands of workers to maintain its international reputation as well as providing franchise opportunities for people who want to be a part of a world-leading restaurant brand.

After many years of growth and success, the McDonald’s Corporation is committed to giving back to society through charitable works and scholarships. Its goal is to train the next generation workforce and create more academic opportunities.

The McDonald’s Scholarship, together with Federal Student Assistance and state-specific aids, help students pay off outstanding student loans, or provide academic financing. The organization offers several scholarships for college seniors across the country, each with different eligibility requirements and awards.

Since 1985, Ronald McDonald House Charities have granted over $65 million in scholarships, and are still committed to giving out more scholarships.

How are the McDonald’s Scholarships awarded?

McDonald’s Scholarships are awarded through Ronald McDonald House Charities chapters. There are currently 322 RMHCs chapters in 57 countries and regions. Each available scholarship carries different eligibility requirements. The RHMC scholarship is ideally open to all students, but the availability and amount of reward are dependent on the individual RHMC chapters.

RMHC/HACER (Hispanic American Commitment to Educational Resources): Students who have at least one parent of Hispanic origin can apply for this scholarship. The application process requires all applicants in this category to submit a personal statement about their cultural background, community commitment, any unique personal experiences, and career goals. This scholarship is only available to undergraduate students. Recipients will receive $100,000 in scholarship over four (4) years.

The availability and amount of awards depend on local RHMCs. Currently, there are four National RHMC/HACER scholarships available.

RMHC/ African American Future Achievers: Students who have at least one African American or Black Caribbean parent can apply for this scholarship. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement about their cultural background, community commitment, any unique personal experiences, and career goals.

The availability and amount of awards on this scholarship depend on local RHMCs.

RMHC/ ASIA (Asian Students Increasing Achievement): Students who have at least one parent of Asian-Pacific heritage can apply for this scholarship. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement about their cultural background, community commitment, any unique personal experiences, and career goals.

RMHC Scholarship Eligibility

In addition to ethnic-specific requirements, there are general requirements that apply to all applicants. To become eligible, you must:

• Be a high school senior

• Not be above 21 years old

• Have a minimum GPA of 2.7

• Be a legal resident in the US

• Be qualified to attend a 2-year or 4-year technical school, college, or university in the US

• Be resident in a geographic area that has an RMHC chapter (excluding the National/HACER scholarships).

• Complete and submit the application and all necessary documents by the stated deadline

• Have proof of enrolment at an eligible institution

• Demonstrate financial need

Depending on your local RMHC, you may be required to submit additional application requirements. You will most likely be asked to submit documents such as:

• High school transcript

• SAT/ACT scores

• Resume

• Letters of Recommendation – from teachers or mentors who can speak of your abilities and commitment

• Personal Statement – this would include your background, career goals, community commitment, and any special abilities or characteristics.

Application Deadline

The McDonald’s Scholarship window for 2020/2021 has been opened since October 2020 and may likely close in late January or early February. Current high school seniors can take advantage of this opportunity and apply ahead of time.

Contact your local RMHC for further information.