The program is expanding to include two distinct application and award windows. This provides Team Members with an additional opportunity to apply for support and offers Restaurants a second opportunity during the year to recognize and celebrate scholarship recipients.

Program updates simplify program administration, remove access barriers, and increase opportunities to care for Team Members through education. Additionally, having fall and spring application windows make the program a year-round resource that helps attract and retain Restaurant Team Members.

The program has been simplified into two clear tiers based on dollar value:  

• The $1,500 Award: Available in both the Fall and Spring application cycles.
• The $25,000 Award: This more selective tier remains an annual award and will continue to be offered exclusively during the Fall application cycle.

Yes. Because there are now two cycles, Team Members can apply—and potentially be selected—in both the Fall and the Spring. This allows them to increase their annual scholarship total as they pursue continued education.

The lifetime maximum is $35,000. While the program previously had a $10,000 limit (or a four-time win limit), that is no longer the case. Team Members can continue applying every cycle until they reach the full $35,000 lifetime cap.

No. The core eligibility criteria and the selection process remain the same. The update simply provides more frequent opportunities to engage with the program.

Yes. As long as the individual is employed and meets all eligibility requirements at the time of the application cycle, they are eligible to apply.

No. Each cycle is evaluated independently. Applying in the Fall, Spring, or both does not impact the evaluation or chances of being selected in a future cycle.

To maintain the integrity and fairness of the selection process, specific details or feedback regarding an application cannot be shared. Applicants are encouraged to use the resources available in the Resource Hub to strengthen future submissions.

Because academic records and personal goals can change, applicants are encouraged to submit a refreshed application for each cycle including updated transcripts and essays. The enhanced application portal will allow applicants to access previous submissions.   Similarly, Operators are able to refresh previously submitted letters of recommendation so as not to have to start from scratch each cycle.   This enhancement will be available to Operators and Applicants after the Fall 2026 cycle.

Starting in Fall 2026, Scholarship America is introducing technology enhancements to improve the experience for both Operators and Team Members. This includes:  

• Dedicated Resource Hubs: Specific sites for both Operators and Team Members.
• Secondary Admin Access: Operators can designate up to three leaders to help manage the scholarship process.
• Multilingual Materials: Resources will be offered in multiple languages such as English, Spanish, French, Chinese, and many more.
• Customizable Tools:Promotional materials will be available on the Studio

Yes. Scholarship America will host Webinars for both Operators and Team Members to walk through the new windows and platform enhancements. Dates and registration details will be posted on the Resource Hubs.

For questions regarding the Remarkable Futures scholarship or the application process, please contact Scholarship America at cfa@scholarshipamerica.org.