This month, 609 hourly restaurant employees at KFC restaurants across the country will receive over $1.2 million in college tuition assistance from the Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation thanks to KFC franchisees, including local KFC franchise owner, Charles Clark, and the KFC Corporation.

Through a competitive selection process, Russellville residents Mercedes Dawn Howard and Jesse Angel Ramirez Escobar were both chosen as winners via the REACH Educational Grant Program™ and each have received $2,000 for the 2014-15 academic year.

Mercedes has worked at KFC for almost 2.5 years, and has recently completed her training as a shift supervisor. This fall, she will be entering her second year at NW-SCC as she studies Nursing.

“Mercedes has a great attitude and a kind heart. I know she will make it in the nursing field,” Russellville KFC restaurant manager Wendy Wood said.
Jesse has been employed at KFC for 2 years, and holds the position of shift supervisor. Jesse will be attending NW-SCC this fall as he begins his studies in Auto Mechanics and Social Work.

“Jesse has the ability to communicate easily with other people, which will help him go far in his endeavors,” Wood said.

“Jesse has the mindset to do anything. I know he will do what he sets out to do.”

The REACH program helps KFC team members pursue their educational dreams at four-year and two-year institutions, including trade/vocational and graduate schools.

The program takes inspiration from Colonel Harland D. Sanders and his belief in the importance of hard work, giving back and passion for a job well done.

“The KFC family has a long and rich history of philanthropy,” said Krista Snider, managing director of the Foundation.

“We’re proud to be able to honor Colonel Sanders’ legacy and help this inspiring, diverse group of students, from the single parent finally completing a degree started 15 years earlier to those who are the first in their families to attend college.”

The Kentucky Fried Chicken Foundation, Inc. is an independent 501(c)3 charity. Since 1998, the non-profit has helped one of the world’s most recognizable brands give back. The Foundation has awarded nearly $12 million in scholarships and educational grants to deserving students since 2006. For more on the KFC Foundation and its programs, visit www.KFCFoundation.org.