Restaurant chain KFC has launched a scholarship campaign that aims to keep it short and “tweet.”
The chain is running a scholarship contest using microblogging site Twitter to reach out to a younger generation. Applicants use 140 characters or less to explain why they deserve the $20,000 scholarship.
High school seniors have until November 26 to enter the contest, the chain said in a statement. The tweet should include the hashtag #KFCScholar.
“KFC is asking college hopefuls to tweet why they exemplify Colonel Sanders’ commitment to education and enriching their communities, and why they are deserving of a college scholarship,” the chain said in a statement.
The winner will be announced December 1 and will receive up to $5,000 a year for four years to go toward a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university.
KFC said it awards more than 75 scholarships annually.
“This year, through one of the hottest emerging forms of media, we want to offer students a creative way to realize their dreams of obtaining a college education,” the chain said.
The tweets that came in ranged from ambitious to playful.
“17-year-old young lady raised in the rough streets of Newark NJ with little opportunities but a lot motivation and a big dream,” user Quintashia tweeted.
Others wanted to avoid debt.
“I should be the recipient!! It will take me the rest of my life to pay off my student loan. WIthout your Help! I volunteer,” said user Keri Pulliam.
But others were not as serious.
“The brain and bowl of chicken are terrible things to waste,” tweeted Nana Banful
