Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders' Scholarship 2025
Description
Ready to Shine? The 2025 Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders' Scholarship is Open Feb. 1 - March 31
This isn’t just any scholarship—it’s a kick-start your dreams! Open to graduating high school seniors or those looking to enroll as a first-time freshman, this $10,000 scholarship is here to help you take college by storm. Each year, ten students who exemplify the bold nature of Carl’s Jr. and the giving spirit of our founders, Carl N. and Margaret Karcher, are chosen to receive this scholarship, and you could be next.
Who’s Eligible?
If you’re 26 or younger, living in one of the 16 states where Carl’s Jr. operates, and gearing up to be a full-time college freshman at an accredited university, you’re already halfway there.
When’s the Deadline?
Applications are due by 3 p.m. PST on March 31, so mark your calendar!
What’s the Game Plan?
In addition to the application, we want to see your personality shine:
Show us your vision: Submit either a short video (30-90 seconds) or a 250-word written response, telling us how higher education will help you pursue your passion.
Find a recommender: Provide contact info for someone who can write you a glowing recommendation. Just make sure they submit it through the applicant portal before the deadline.
Pro Tips for Your Video:
At Carl’s Jr., we’re all about being bold and living life your way. So, bring the creativity! Whether it’s spoken word, stop-motion animation, or just you speaking from the heart, we want to get to know the real you!
Remember, this is your moment. Grab it. Dream big. Apply today!
The 2025 Carl N. and Margaret Karcher Founders Scholarship Award is only valid for the 2025-2026 academic year. Funds must be used exclusively for tuition payments made directly to the school and cannot be allocated toward a future academic year. CKE Restaurants will award each of the 10 recipients funds to be applied towards tuition by the end of the summer 2026 semester. The student must be enrolled at least part-time in the Fall 2025 Session to use this award.
About the Karchers
In 1941, a bread-truck driver with big dreams invested his entire savings to buy a hot dog cart. Over the next decade, Karl Karcher and his wife Margaret grew that first hot dog stand into multiple stands, and in the 50s, they opened the first two Carl’s Jr. restaurants in Anaheim, CA. Thanks to iconic menu items like the Six Dollar Burger, Hand-Scooped Milkshake Ice Cream Shakes™, and Charbroiled Turkey Burger, today Carl’s Jr. is more than 1,000 locations strong in the U.S. and operates in 28 countries worldwide.
Together with Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. is a part of CKE Restaurants, offering restaurant and corporate career advancement opportunities across the country.