Chick-fil-A Employee Surprised with $25K Scholarship

New Jersey worker Yammani Tay receives life-changing scholarship from CEO

Mar. 14, 2026 at 9:50pm

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A Chick-fil-A employee in North Bergen, New Jersey, Yammani Tay, was shocked when the fast-food chain's CEO, Andrew T. Cathy, visited her store and presented her with a $25,000 scholarship check as part of the company's Remarkable Futures Scholarships program. Tay, a nursing student at Fairleigh Dickinson University, had been working at the Chick-fil-A location since 2023 and has risen through the ranks to become a front of house trainer and full-time shift lead.

Why it matters

Chick-fil-A is known for its strong religious values and commitment to supporting its employees, having awarded $244 million in scholarships since 1973. This scholarship will have a significant impact on Tay's educational and career goals, highlighting the company's investment in developing its workforce.

The details

Tay, who graduated in the top 10 of her high school class at Jose Marti STEM Academy in Union City, believed the CEO was visiting the restaurant to film a promotional video. However, she was surprised to learn that he was there to award her one of only 13 Remarkable Futures Scholarships given out nationwide this year, as part of the company's $29 million investment in employee scholarships.

  • On March 14, 2026, Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew T. Cathy visited the North Bergen, New Jersey Chick-fil-A location.

The players

Yammani Tay

A Chick-fil-A employee at the North Bergen, New Jersey location who was awarded a $25,000 scholarship by the company's CEO.

Andrew T. Cathy

The CEO of Chick-fil-A, who surprised Yammani Tay with a $25,000 scholarship check as part of the company's Remarkable Futures Scholarships program.

Chick-fil-A

A fast-food restaurant chain known for its breaded chicken sandwiches and strong religious values, which has awarded $244 million in scholarships to its employees since 1973.

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What they’re saying

“Yamanni, your leadership, dedication and heart for others make our restaurant better every single day. We are incredibly proud of you and honored to celebrate this life-changing moment with you.”

— Chick-fil-A Store

The takeaway

This scholarship highlights Chick-fil-A's commitment to investing in its employees and supporting their educational and career goals, even for those in entry-level positions. It demonstrates the company's values-driven approach to developing its workforce and creating opportunities for advancement.