Fast food chain to offer scholarships for students in on-campus and online degree programs

Fast food chain to offer scholarships for students in on-campus and online degree programs

Graduating high school seniors who wish to pursue postsecondary education at traditional or online universities may apply for scholarships that can help them pay for tuition, such as those available through McDonald's.

Franchise owners and operators in Philadelphia have joined the Ronald McDonald House Charities - the corporation's philanthropic division – to offer high school seniors in the area the opportunity to compete for a total of $69,000 in scholarship awards.

Students who are planning to attend any 2- or 4-year university next fall and have demonstrable financial need, community involvement and academic achievement may apply for the awards.

The funds will be divided between 45 students who will benefit from the RMHC Scholars, RMHC/Future Achievers for African American students or RMHC/HACER for Latino students scholarships. Each program will disburse two $5,000 awards and 13 $1,000 awards.

To apply for the awards, eligible students are required to submit a high school transcript, a letter of recommendation and a personal essay detailing their commitment to community service.

The program aims to recognize the accomplishments of "young leaders who excel in the classrooms while volunteering in their communities" and help them succeed in campus-based or online colleges, said John Durante, president of the charity's Philadelphia division.