Local McDonald’s Family Restaurants Reward Leadership, Community Service, and Scholarship

Separate from the national scholarships offered through Ronald McDonald House Charities, DC area McDonald’s franchise owners—representing 340 local restaurants—are coming together to honor at least 55 outstanding local students with scholarships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 each.

Qualified applicants must be high school seniors residing in the greater Washington, DC and outlying areas, including Montgomery, Prince George’s, Fairfax, and Loudon Counties as well as the cities of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Falls Church (a complete list is provided with the online application). By the way, student employees of McDonald’s are welcome to apply.

“As part of McDonald’s commitment to education and the community [the McDonald's Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C.] believe it is important to recognize young people who try to make a positive contribution to their community,” said Cindy Levine, McDonald’s Franchisee and McDonald’s Educates Scholarships Committee member. “We are proud to honor those students through the annual scholarship program.”

In the spring of 2011, $94,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to 53 local students to contribute to their tuition or fees at the college or university of their choice. To date, the McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C. have awarded over $600,000 to local students through the annual McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program.

To be eligible, students must have participated in a variety of extracurricular community activities, demonstrated outstanding leadership skills, and achieved academic excellence. This scholarship is one in a series of opportunities rewarding community service.

General requirements include a completed online application, a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or community service leader, and two 200-word essays.

This year’s essays ask students to reflect on their "meaningful achievements" and to describe how they have demonstrated leadership both in and outside of school. These short answers will be reviewed for content, creativity, and writing style.

Time is getting short. Applications are available online and must be postmarked by no later than Friday, March 23, 2012.