I’m so proud of our commitment to America’s Black future leaders

Marissa F. | McDonald’s Franchisee | Louisiana, USA

McDonald’s USA has launched the $500,000 Black & Positively Golden® Scholarship Fund to help students attending HBCUs continue their education this fall.

I often tell employees at my four McDonald’s restaurants that McDonald’s is much more than burgers and fries. We're also a brand with roots that run deep in so many communities – the Black community among them.

I know that McDonald’s has played a role in many Black kids’ lives growing up. It’s where they may have gone to birthday parties or celebrated special occasions. It’s where many enjoyed their favorite after-school treat. It’s also where they may have had their first jobs as teenagers. That’s the case for me – my first job was in my parents’ McDonald’s restaurant!

As our children grow up and plan their futures, we want to help ease some of the stress caused by paying for college. Unfortunately, this year, this stress is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic and all the uncertainty it brings.

That's why I’m so proud that McDonald’s USA has launched the $500,000 Black & Positively Golden® Scholarship Fund to help students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue their education this fall, despite impacts of COVID-19. These institutions face challenges of supporting a large percentage of low-income students (up to 90% at some schools), while managing unexpected costs related to shifting to an online education infrastructure. While we’ve been a supporter of HBCUs for a while, with many franchisees having attended them, and our partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund isn’t new, we’re excited to have increased the amount to best meet student’s needs. 

We know that education is the key to success. I’m proud to be part of a global brand that is stepping up to help America’s Black future leaders continue their education during such a challenging time.

Eligible HBCU students can apply for a Black & Positively Golden scholarship for the 2020-2021 academic year by clicking here. For more information on McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden movement, follow @wearegolden on Instagram.