The Burger King Foundation supports and rewards, not just grades or test scores. This student-first approach powers the BK Scholars Program, which has awarded more than $64 million to over 54,000 students across North America. BK scholarship winners are celebrated as "dream-changers" and doers—students ready to take the next step.
Apply for the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship
Deadline: December 15, 2025
Available To: High School Seniors (HSSR)
Award Amount: $1,000–$60,000
The James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship is available to U.S. and Canadian students graduating from high school and enrolling full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university. A minimum 3.5 GPA is required, along with significant work experience and leadership in community service, athletics, or similar activities.
The BK Scholars program aims to grant one scholarship per Burger King restaurant—more than $7 million in awards annually, per the Burger King Foundation. The number of awards depends on available funds and the applicant pool
A high school senior headed to college or a vocational/trade program.
A Burger King employee or a dependent of a BK employee pursuing post-secondary education.
A committed, motivated student ready to invest in your goals.
Planning to enroll at an accredited college/university or trade/vocational school.
Selection factors include GPA, work experience, extracurriculars, community service, and financial need. Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, and trade/vocational costs.
About the Burger King WHOPPER Scholarship
The flagship award is the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship. Built to recognize heart, hustle, and impact, the Burger King scholarship program looks beyond GPA to find hardworking students making a positive difference. Awards range from $1,000 to $60,000 and support high school seniors, Burger King employees, and their families pursuing college, vocational, or trade school.Who Can Apply for the Burger King Scholarship
You can apply for the WHOPPER Scholarship if you're:How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Apply during the open window. The BK WHOPPER Scholarship closes when 30,000 applications are received or at 11:59 p.m. local time on December 15, 2025, whichever comes first. Complete the application fully. You'll share your personal info, education plans, and goals. You'll need to upload a current transcript, parent/guardian IRS 1040 (first two pages) or Canadian T-1, and at least one online recommendation. Stand out on impact and effort. A selection committee evaluates merit, effort, leadership, involvement, and clarity about how you plan to use your education. Watch for results and next steps. Winners use funds toward required education expenses, including tuition, fees, books, supplies, and trade/vocational costs. Join the BK Scholars network. Scholars gain access to a supportive community of past winners, mentors, and resources.Where You Can Use the Scholarship
Funds can be applied at accredited two- or four-year colleges/universities and at vocational-technical or trade schools in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada. If you transfer during the award year, you can keep your scholarship as long as eligibility criteria are still met.Scholarship History
Launched in 2000 to honor Burger King co-founder James W. McLamore, the BK Scholars Program reflects his lifelong commitment to philanthropy and education. Through this program, the Burger King Foundation has awarded tens of thousands of scholarships to high school seniors, BK employees, and their families. Next step: Create your Fastweb profile to uncover more scholarships, from big brands to trade-school awards, matched to your GPA, interests, and goals.You Might Also Like
Shawna Newman
Managing Editor, Contributing Writer
Shawna Newman covers various topics related to post-secondary education, including trade schools, the military, and college. She details strategies for paying for school, such as scholarships, financial ai...
