The BURGER KING Scholars Program scholarship is funded by the BURGER KING Foundation and administered by Scholarship America, with awards from $1,000 to $60,000 for graduating seniors, eligible employees and some past recipients. The current application runs October 15 through December 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Central, but only the first 30,000 community applications will be reviewed.
All details come from Scholarship America’s BURGER KING Scholars program page, checked in November 2026.
Who is eligible for the BURGER KING Scholars Program scholarship
On the General Track, applicants must:
- “Be first-time applicants who are graduating 2027 high school seniors” in the U.S., Puerto Rico or Guam, or grade 12 in Canada. Past recipients who are now college undergraduates are an exception and may reapply.
- “Have a cumulative high school grade point average of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or the equivalent.”
- Live in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam or Canada.
Employees have their own track. “Employees must be active on Designated Employer’s payroll for at least 3 months as of the application deadline date.”
What the award pays
Scholarships range from $1,000 to $60,000. Most awards are at the lower end; the top tier is a separate named award.
The James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship offers up to three awards of $60,000 for highly qualified students showing leadership, work experience and financial need. Recipients need a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 and must be entering a four-year college as full-time freshmen.
“Awards are not renewable.” Past recipients may reapply each year they qualify, up to four awards in total.
How selection works
For the General and Employee-Based Tracks, Scholarship America scores applications on three weighted factors:
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| Factor | Weight |
|---|---|
| Academic record | 33% |
| School and community activities and work experience | 34% |
| Financial need | 33% |
Two things stand out. Work experience is counted with activities, so a part-time job is a real asset here. And financial need is a full third of the score, unlike pure merit awards. No acceptance rate is published.
Deadlines and timeline
The application period is October 15, 2026, through December 15, 2026, with an 11:59 p.m. Central deadline. However, “Scholarship America will only review the first 30,000 community applications received.” Employee applications are reviewed regardless of the cap.
In other words, the real deadline for a general applicant is whenever the 30,000th application arrives, which may be well before December 15. Apply as early in the window as you can.
How to make a strong application
- Submit early. The 30,000 cap is the single biggest risk. A finished application in late October beats a polished one that misses the cut.
- List every job. Work experience is part of the 34% activities factor. Include hours per week and responsibilities.
- Be accurate on need. Financial need is 33% of the score. Have your family’s financial information ready before you start.
- Aim for the McLamore award only if you qualify. It requires a 3.5 unweighted GPA and full-time freshman enrollment at a four-year college.
- Reapply in college. Past recipients can apply again each year they qualify, up to four awards.
Similar programs to consider
- The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, a merit award with no need component.
- The Dell Scholars Program for Pell-eligible Texas seniors.
- The Hagan Scholarship, which also requires work hours.
- Our local scholarships guide and the scholarship finder.
BURGER KING Scholars FAQ
Do I need to work at BURGER KING?
No. The General Track is for graduating seniors. Employees have a separate track with a three-month payroll requirement.
What GPA do I need?
A cumulative 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for the General Track. The $60,000 McLamore award needs a 3.5 unweighted.
Is the award renewable?
No, but past recipients can reapply each year they qualify, up to four awards total.
What happens after 30,000 applications?
Scholarship America reviews only the first 30,000 community applications. Employee applications are not subject to the cap.