Dallas KFC Worker Awarded $5,000 Scholarship to Resume College

Taniyah Lucky surprised with scholarship from KFC Foundation to continue her dream of becoming a lawyer.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:41am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a fast-food restaurant interior, with soft, warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric quality that conceptually represents the emotional impact of a life-changing scholarship opportunity.A KFC employee's educational dreams are revived with the support of a company scholarship program.Dallas Today

Taniyah Lucky, a hardworking employee at a KFC restaurant in Dallas, Texas, was honored during what she thought was a routine team meeting. Instead, the KFC Foundation surprised her with a $5,000 scholarship - one of 300 awarded nationwide this year as part of a $2 million program supporting KFC employees pursuing education. Lucky had stepped away from college last fall due to the cost, but now plans to re-enroll at Dallas College in the fall.

Why it matters

The scholarship program reflects the values of KFC's founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, who believed in providing opportunities for employees to get an education. This story highlights how companies can make a meaningful difference in the lives of their workers, especially those facing financial barriers to achieving their educational goals.

The details

Taniyah Lucky has worked at the KFC on Samuel Boulevard in Dallas on and off since she was a teenager. She loves the company, the people, and the environment, but has long aspired to become a lawyer. The cost of college forced her to step away from school last fall and work full-time, which she said 'didn't make me feel good, but I knew that I couldn't give up.' During what she thought was a routine team meeting, Lucky was surprised with a $5,000 scholarship from the KFC Foundation - one of 300 awarded nationwide this year as part of a $2 million program supporting KFC employees pursuing education.

  • Taniyah Lucky stepped away from college last fall.
  • The KFC Foundation surprised Lucky with a $5,000 scholarship on April 18, 2026.

The players

Taniyah Lucky

A hardworking KFC employee in Dallas, Texas who aspires to become a lawyer but had to step away from college due to the cost.

KFC Foundation

The charitable arm of KFC that awarded $5,000 scholarships to 300 KFC employees nationwide this year as part of a $2 million program supporting their educational pursuits.

Scott Mezvinsky

The CEO of KFC who said the scholarship program reflects the values of the company's founder, Colonel Harland Sanders, in providing opportunities for employees to get an education.

Kok Ng

The area coach at the KFC where Taniyah Lucky works, who praised her hard work and dedication.

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What they’re saying

“I feel good, surprised, and for the first time speechless.”

— Taniyah Lucky, KFC Employee

“She works very hard, and she's very dedicated.”

— Kok Ng, Area Coach

“The colonel believed in leaving no one behind, and so I'm proud that 74 years later we continue to provide opportunities for our folks to get an education and make sure we give opportunities to everybody.”

— Scott Mezvinsky, CEO

What’s next

Taniyah Lucky plans to continue working at KFC and re-enroll at Dallas College in the fall to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how companies can make a meaningful impact on their employees' lives by providing educational opportunities and support, especially for those facing financial barriers. It reflects the values of KFC's founder in 'leaving no one behind' and helping workers achieve their goals.