Chick-fil-A, Inc. has awarded 12 $25,000 scholarships to its second class of Chick-fil-A Community Scholars, community service-minded leaders from across the country who are not directly affiliated with Chick-fil-A, Inc. or a Chick-fil-A® restaurant. The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program is an expansion of Chick-fil-A’s existing education initiatives and an extension of Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility commitment to care for people and communities. This year, an additional $26.4 million in scholarships was also awarded to Restaurant Team Members.

The group of 12 was surprised at the Dwarf House®in Hapeville, Georgia, where Founder S. Truett Cathy awarded the first Chick-fil-A scholarship 51 years ago. This year’s impressive class includes students who have completed extensive community service and some who created their own nonprofits.

Included in the recipient group was Raleigh/Feyetteville’s own, Merry Wang.

With a passion for technology and justice, Merry plans to use her scholarship to give back to her local community by mentoring younger students to lead initiatives that uplift ethnic minority rights. Growing up in a low-income home, Merry often found herself unable to participate in extracurriculars to ease the financial strain on her family. She plans to attend Stanford as a first-year student studying computer science. Merry’s reference describes her as empathetic, ambitious and passionate.

“The Chick-fil-A Community Scholars program is unlike other scholarship programs because it comes with the opportunity for students to participate in a year-long leadership development and mentorship program,” said Brent Fielder, senior director of corporate social responsibility for Chick-fil-A, Inc. in a press release.“Scholars are paired with a Chick-fil-A Staff leader to mentor them. Scholars also have the chance to meet together virtually each month, creating an environment of collaboration, growth and fun."

At the end of their year together, the Community Scholars who participate in the leadership development program come together at the Chick-fil-A Support Center in Atlanta to celebrate their accomplishments and spend intentional time together.

Scholarships provided by Chick-fil-A, Inc. can be beneficial for recipients for many reasons, including:

• Up-front award: Chick-fil-A scholarships are awarded to recipients up front and can be directly

applied to tuition, housing and other education expenses, without requiring tuition reimbursement.

• Applicable at any qualifying school, college or university: Scholarships can be applied in any area of study at any accredited institution of the recipient's choice, including two- or four-year colleges and universities, online programs, or vocational-technical schools.