Yum! Scholars

Sidebar

Fueling Future Leaders in Franchising, Business & Beyond

The Yum! Scholars Program—funded by a $1 million endowment from Yum! Brands and supported by the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence—provides scholarship and leadership development opportunities to incoming University of Louisville students. Designed for students who demonstrate initiative, integrity and a commitment to impact, the program is open to high school seniors from any major who reside in Kentucky or a tuition-reciprocity state.

Yum! Scholars receive:

  • Renewable scholarship support
  • Leadership development opportunities
  • Mentorship and networking with industry professionals
  • Exposure to franchising education
  • Real-world industry engagement

Why Apply?

$1,000 per semester

(up to $8,000 total)

Mentorship from franchise professionals

Site visits, workshops & guest speakers

Exclusive Yum! Scholars merch and graduation recognition

Join a tight-knit cohort of changemakers

Eligibility & Application

Yum! Scholars Program

Eligibility:

The Yum! Scholars Program is open to high school seniors who demonstrate resilience, initiative, and a commitment to making a positive impact. We seek students who embody the program’s core values:

• Drive – Resilience and ambition

• Leadership – Integrity and initiative

• Belonging – A collaborative and welcoming spirit

• Impact – Commitment to contributing to their communities

Applicants must:

• Be a current high school senior (Class of 2026)

• Reside in Kentucky or a tuition-reciprocity state

• Plan to enroll at the University of Louisville in any major

• Plan to enroll full- or part-time

Once enrolled at UofL, scholars must:

• Maintain a 2.75 cumulative GPA

• Complete at least one online franchise management course during junior or senior year

Amount of aid: $1,000 per semester (up to $8,000 total)
Additional details:

To apply you will need: FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI), 1 letter of recommendation, 3 essay responses and a completed application form.

Franchise Course Options

Choose from four fully online, textbook-free electives. While only one course is required, students can optionally complete more to earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management.
Online Undergraduate Certificate in Franchise Management

MGMT 410: Franchise Fundamentals & Legal

Explore franchising basics, including trademarks, contracts, and franchise law.

MGMT 409: Franchise HR & Leading Teams

Learn how to build and lead teams within a franchise system.

MGMT 413: Franchise Growth & Support

Examine the financial, strategic, and relational aspects of growing a franchise.

MKT 390: Franchise Marketing

Discover how leading brands build awareness, attract customers, and maintain consistency through franchise marketing strategies.

Application Checklist

To apply you will need: FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI), 1 letter of recommendation, 3 essay responses and a completed application form. Application deadline: February 9th, 2026

Apply Now!

Scholarship FAQ's