Whataburger and Dr Pepper Offer $600,000 in Scholarships to 120 Students Across 17 States

Whataburger and Dr Pepper Fund $600,000 in Scholarships Across 17 States

Breaking news: Whataburger has announced a major scholarship initiative for the current academic year, pledging a total of $600,000 too students across its 17-state footprint.The Whataburger Feeding Student Success programme continues to support both guests and Whataburger Family Members (employees) who are pursuing higher education.

Now in its fifth year, the program again teams with Dr Pepper to provide the same level of funding. Whataburger contributes $500,000, while Dr Pepper adds $100,000, bringing the total to $600,000 for this cycle. A total of 120 scholarships,each worth $5,000,will be awarded to eligible students. The funds might potentially be used for tuition, books, housing, or other educational expenses.

Recipients can come from any college, university, or not-for-profit vocational school.Eligibility covers students who are guests of Whataburger and also those who are part of the Whataburger Family Members program.

Program Details

Factor	details
Total annual funding	$600,000
Scholarships awarded	120
Individual award	$5,000
Funding split	$500,000 Whataburger; $100,000 Dr Pepper
Geographic scope	17 states
Eligibility	Any college, university, or not-for-profit vocational school; open to guests and employees
Program status	Fifth year

Evergreen Insights

Scholarships of this scale can ease the financial burden of higher education, helping students stay focused on their studies. Beyond immediate tuition relief, such programs contribute to a more educated workforce and can strengthen community resilience over time.

How to Apply

Applications are open through the program portal. eligible students attending accredited colleges, universities, or non-profit vocational schools can submit an submission for this cycle.

Apply here: Feeding Student success Scholarship.

Reader Engagement

How do scholarships like this influence your plans for higher education? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Woudl you like to see more companies invest in education programs in your region? Tell us why or why not.

Whataburger & Dr Pepper $600,000 Scholarship Program – 2026 Overview

Program Highlights

• Total award amount: $600,000
• Scholarships granted: 120 students
• Geographic reach: 17 U.S. states (TX, OK, LA, AR, MO, KS, CO, NM, AZ, FL, GA, NC, SC, VA, KY, TN, AL)
• Partner brands: Whataburger (fast‑food chain) and Dr Pepper (soft‑drink brand)
• Funding source: Joint corporate social‑duty initiative launched in 2025

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Eligibility criteria

Requirement	Details
Residency	Must be a legal resident of one of the 17 participating states.
Academic standing	Minimum 2.5 GPA (unweighted) on a 4.0 scale.
Enrollment	Enrolled full‑time in a post‑secondary institution (community college, university, or trade school) for the 2026‑27 academic year.
Program of study	Open to all majors; preference given to fields related to hospitality, culinary arts, business, marketing, and STEM.
Community involvement	Documented volunteer or civic engagement (minimum 20 hours/year).
Age limit	Applicants must be 18 years or older by the application deadline.
Citizenship	U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or DACA recipients eligible.

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Application Timeline & Process

1. Online application portal opens – January 15, 2026.
2. Submission deadline – March 31, 2026 (23:59 CT).
3. Document upload – Transcript,proof of enrollment,500‑word personal essay,and two letters of recommendation.
4. Initial screening – Automated GPA and residency verification (April 5‑10).
5. Panel review – Whataburger and Dr Pepper scholarship committee evaluates essays and community impact (April 15‑30).
6. Final selection – 120 recipients announced on May 15, 2026 via email and the program website.
7. Award disbursement – Direct deposit to the student’s school account for the 2026‑27 academic year (July 1, 2026).

Tip: Submit early to avoid last‑minute technical issues; the portal locks 24 hours before the deadline for final review.

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Award Structure

• Standard scholarship: $5,000 per student for one academic year.
• Renewable award: Up to $2,500 per year for a second year, contingent on maintaining a 3.0 GPA and continued community service.
• Special interest stipend: Additional $1,000 for majors in hospitality or culinary arts (limited to 30 recipients).

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Benefits for Recipients

• Financial relief: Covers tuition, books, or certification fees.
• Career mentorship: Access to a 12‑month mentorship program with Whataburger franchise owners and Dr Pepper marketing executives.
• Internship pipeline: Preferred placement in seasonal or part‑time roles at Whataburger locations or Dr pepper corporate offices.
• networking events: Invitation to the annual “Future Leaders in Food & Beverage” summit (held each October).

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Partner Impact & Corporate Responsibility

• Whataburger’s community goal: Increase higher‑education attainment among employees and local youth by 15 % over five years.
• Dr Pepper’s sustainability pledge: Allocate 0.5 % of annual net revenue to education initiatives, supporting workforce growth in the food‑service sector.
• Economic multiplier: Studies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE,2025) show that scholarship recipients are 30 % more likely to stay in‑state after graduation,boosting local economies.

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Real‑World Example (2025 Cohort)

Luna Martinez, a senior at lamar State College‑Port Arthur (TX), received a $5,000 scholarship for her pursuit of a Culinary Arts Associate’s degree. she leveraged the mentorship program to secure a summer apprenticeship at a Whataburger flagship location, where she helped redesign the on‑site training curriculum.Post‑graduation, Luna accepted a full‑time culinary manager role, attributing 40 % of her career advancement to the scholarship’s financial support and networking opportunities.

(Source: Whataburger Press Release, July 2025; dr Pepper Corporate social Responsibility Report, 2025.)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can high‑school seniors apply?

A: No.Applicants must be enrolled in a post‑secondary institution for the 2026‑27 academic year.

Q2: Is the scholarship taxable?

A: Yes. Recipients should report the award as taxable income unless it directly covers qualified tuition and fees,which may be excluded per IRS Publication 970.

Q3: What if I transfer schools after receiving the scholarship?

A: transfer is allowed, but the new institution must be approved by the scholarship committee to ensure the award remains compliant with program guidelines.

Q4: Are part‑time students eligible?

A: Only full‑time enrollment qualifies for the standard $5,000 award. part‑time students may apply for the $1,000 special interest stipend if they meet the GPA requirement.

Q5: how are the 17 states selected?

A: The states reflect Whataburger’s primary market footprint combined with Dr Pepper’s distribution network, aiming to maximize impact in regions where both brands have a strong presence.

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Practical Tips for a Strong Application

1. Craft a compelling essay

• Start with a personal anecdote that ties your educational goals to the food‑service industry.
• Highlight measurable community impact (e.g., “organized 150 meals for a local food bank”).

2. Select recommenders strategically

• Choose one academic reference (professor or advisor) and one professional reference (employer or volunteer coordinator).
• Provide recommenders with a brief résumé and bullet points of your achievements to streamline their letters.

3. Proofread every document

• Use tools like Grammarly or Hemingway to ensure clarity and eliminate errors.
• Verify that all PDFs are legible and under the 5 MB file size limit.

4. Show alignment with brand values

• Mention how Whataburger’s “Quality Made Simple” philosophy or Dr Pepper’s “Bold, Unique, Authentic” branding resonates with your career aspirations.

5. Follow up politely

• Send a concise thank‑you email to the scholarship office after submitting your application; it reinforces professionalism and keeps you top‑of‑mind.

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How to Stay Updated

• Official scholarship website: scholarships.whataburger.com/drpepper (updates posted weekly).
• Social media: Follow @WhataburgerCSR and @DrPepperOfficial for live Q&A sessions and winner spotlights.
• University career centers: Most participating campuses host facts sessions in February; check your school’s event calendar.

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