Burger King Scholars Program Opening Soon
Offered by Burger King Foundation
About This Scholarship
The Burger King Foundation launched the Burger King Scholars Program in 2000 to honor co-founder James W. McLamore's philanthropic legacy, and it has since awarded nearly $64 million to more than 54,000 students. Eligibility runs wider than most corporate scholarships: high school seniors, Burger King employees, and employees' families can all apply, and the money can go toward college or post-secondary vocational and technical school.
Most awards are modest — in 2024, roughly 4,200 students shared nearly $4.5 million, so the typical check is about $1,000. At the top sits the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship, worth $60,000 to three students each year. Selection weighs GPA, work experience, extracurricular activities, community service, and financial need, and the foundation's stated goal is to fund one scholarship for every Burger King restaurant, over $7 million a year.
The timing rule matters more here than for most scholarships: the application closes on December 15 or as soon as 30,000 applications arrive, whichever comes first. Submit shortly after the window opens in mid-October rather than waiting for the deadline.
Eligibility
- High school senior in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or Canada (employee tracks also available)
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Planning to enroll in an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational school
How To Apply
- Complete the online application with academic and activity information
- Submit before the mid-December deadline; awards announced in spring
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work at Burger King to apply?
No. The general track is open to all eligible high school seniors; separate tracks serve employees and their families.