Caldwell KFC Employee Awarded $20,000 Scholarship from KFC Foundation

Promise Gonzalez, a first-generation college student, plans to use the life-changing scholarship to pursue a master's degree in kinesiology.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:22pm

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Promise Gonzalez, a 22-year-old KFC employee in Caldwell, Idaho, was surprised with a $20,000 scholarship from the KFC Foundation to help her continue her education. Gonzalez, a first-generation college student, is currently a senior at Northwest Nazarene University studying Recreation and Sport Management: Athletic Training. She plans to use the scholarship to pursue a master's degree in kinesiology at the University of Texas at Austin after graduating.

Why it matters

The KFC Foundation's $2 million in scholarships awarded to over 300 KFC employees nationwide this year highlights the company's commitment to supporting its workforce and providing educational opportunities that can change the trajectory of a student's future. Gonzalez's story as a hardworking, first-generation college student resonates with many in the local community.

The details

Gonzalez, who has worked at the Caldwell KFC for nearly four years, was surprised by friends and family during what she thought was a normal work shift. She was presented with a $20,000 check from the KFC Foundation, one of only 11 students nationwide to receive the top scholarship award this year. Gonzalez has paid for college through scholarships and by working two jobs, including at KFC and her school's library, while also completing an internship. Her dedication and work ethic have impressed her professors, coworkers, and mentors.

  • Gonzalez is set to graduate with her bachelor's degree in one month.
  • Gonzalez has worked at the Caldwell KFC for nearly four years.

The players

Promise Gonzalez

A 22-year-old senior at Northwest Nazarene University studying Recreation and Sport Management: Athletic Training, and a first-generation college student who has worked at the Caldwell KFC for nearly four years.

KFC Foundation

An independent 501c3 nonprofit organization that has provided over $47 million to support and empower more than 18,000 individual recipients for over 25 years, including awarding $2 million in scholarships to over 300 KFC restaurant employees nationwide this year.

Johanna Robles-Peterman

The general manager of the Caldwell KFC, who described Gonzalez as a reliable, hardworking, and vibrant employee.

Joshua Engler

Gonzalez's former TRIO Upward Bound educational specialist and mentor.

Toby Lopez

Gonzalez's mother, who described her as a 'go-getter' from a young age.

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What they’re saying

“It's just going to make my dreams come true of being able to do what I always want to do.”

— Promise Gonzalez, KFC Employee and Scholarship Recipient

“It gives me goosebumps because it's huge. I just think it's going to make all the difference in the world for her to continue what she wants to do.”

— Anne Mehl, Director of Operations, KFC Franchise Stewart Restaurant Group

“This is a special way to recognize her and her story, and awards that are this significant can change the direction of a student's future to provide educational opportunities that they might not otherwise be able to have.”

— Joshua Engler, Former TRIO Upward Bound Educational Specialist and Mentor

“Promise has definitely helped deepen the education of all the students in our department. I can't say enough how excited and proud I am of Promise. She is well-deserving of this scholarship and will make everyone who has shown confidence in her proud.”

— Benjamin Gall, Associate Professor and Department Chair of Kinesiology, Northwest Nazarene University

“As another first-generation college student, I know some of the challenges that she has had to overcome, and I am so excited to see how far she flies.”

— Kaydee Mick, Associate Professor of Kinesiology, Northwest Nazarene University

What’s next

After receiving her master's degree, Promise hopes to return to the Caldwell community and work her way up the ladder as an athletic trainer while also inspiring other students by showing that moments like these are possible through hard work and dedication.

The takeaway

The KFC Foundation's significant scholarship award to Promise Gonzalez, a hardworking first-generation college student, demonstrates the power of providing educational opportunities that can transform a student's future and inspire others in the local community.