At-a-Glance: 

• Applications are open for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship across the brand's 14-state footprint.  
• A total of $600,000 will be awarded in $5,000 increments to help students planning to attend a college, university or not-for-profit vocational school.   
• Students can apply for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship from Dec. 1, 2023, through Feb. 14, 2024, or until 1,000 applications are reached, whichever comes first. 

 At Whataburger, we build more than burgers—we help build futures. 

As part of Whataburger’s commitment to serving its communities, $600,000 in scholarship funding is now available to eligible students across our 14-state footprint for the 2024-2025 academic year.  

The Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship, now in its third year, continues the brand’s investment in students, one scholarship at a time. A total of $600,000 in funds – $500,000 from Whataburger and $100,000 of support from Dr Pepper – are available to support students pursuing higher education. 

120 students will be awarded a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship. The award can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing and applied at any college, university or not-for-profit vocational school. 

“Support and funding shouldn’t be a barrier to any student’s success,” said Whataburger Community Relations Manager Allie Watters. “We want students to know Whataburger is in their corner. These scholarships will help students across the nation build the futures of their dreams.” 

Since its launch in 2021, the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship has awarded over $1.2 million in academic support. The fund is part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the brand’s signature community program serving at the intersection of education and food insecurity.    

Starting December 1, 2023, students can apply for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship until February 14, 2024, or until a cap of 1,000 applications is reached, whichever comes first. 

For more on eligibility and application information, please visit Whataburger Community Support. 

The Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship was launched in December 2021 and is open to students pursuing higher education. The fund is part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program serving at the intersection of education and food insecurity.

“No student should ever have to worry about where their next meal will come from or question their ability to succeed,” said Whataburger Community Experience Manager Melba Harris. “Our mission through Whataburger Feeding Student Success is to enable students to focus on their education by eliminating some of the hurdles they may face along the way. Our community’s students are resilient and it’s our privilege to be a part of their stories as they walk down their paths to bright futures.”

120 one-time Feeding Student Success scholarships for $5,000 were awarded to students across Whataburger’s 14-state geography.

The first year’s scholarships were awarded to Black and other racial minority students as part of a $500,000 scholarship commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. To further support that commitment, Dr Pepper contributed an additional $100,000 to the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program. A total of $600,000 in scholarship funding was awarded.

In addition to the investment from the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship fund, the Whataburger Family Foundation awarded $806,000 in scholarship funding to Whataburger employees and their dependents for the spring 2022 semester and another $738,000 for the fall 2022 semester. 

The Whataburger Family Foundation was created to provide emergency assistance to Whataburger employees experiencing immediate unforeseen hardships. Through the foundation, Whataburger has awarded more than 4,000 Whataburger employees with more than $9.6 million in education assistance since its launch in 2003.

Both scholarships can be used by students for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing and applied at any college, university or not-for-profit vocational school.

Applications will reopen in December for the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship. 

As part of that community support, Whataburger announces the launch of the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program, its $500,000 commitment to help students planning to attend a college, university and not-for-profit vocational school achieve their dreams.

To further support that commitment, Dr Pepper has contributed an additional $100,000 to the Whataburger Feeding Student Success Scholarship program. A total of $600,000 in scholarship funding is available.

The scholarship will be awarded to 120 students across Whataburger’s footprint. Recipients will receive a non-renewable $5,000 scholarship to be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies and housing for the 2022-2023 academic school year.

It’s part of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program at the intersection of food insecurity and education.

The first year’s scholarships will be awarded to Black and other racial minority students as part of a $1M commitment Whataburger made in June 2020. With the scholarship funding, Whataburger has exceeded that commitment.

Students can apply between Dec. 1, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2022. For more on eligibility and application information, readers/viewers can visit our Whataburger Community Support page.

Customers who donated $1 during the first ever system-wide fundraiser got a free Whataburger coupon for their generosity. Money raised went to to Feeding America and its member food banks in local communities. It’s all in support of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program operating at the intersection of food insecurity and education and focusing on helping students at all levels of education achieve their goals and dreams.

“Feeding America is doing such amazing work through their network of food banks. All of us at Whataburger are looking forward to joining our customers in showing support for them during Orange Spirit Week,” said Ed Nelson, Whataburger CEO. “We were proud to invite our friends and neighbors to visit their local Whataburger throughout the week and donate to help keep our children nourished and on the path to bright futures.” 

The magic of Whataburger started on Aug. 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for awesome burgers, big flavor and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created.

Whataburger Serves San Antonio Teachers at Local Appreciation Event to Gear Up for Back to School

The 2021 celebration kicked off in San Antonio on Sunday, Aug. 8, with a drive-through teacher appreciation event. During the week, Whataburger employees, known as Family Members, also assembled and delivered more than 4,000 school supply bags to local organizations across 10 states.

From Sunday, Aug. 8, through Sunday, Aug. 15, customers who donate a minimum of $1 at any of the more than 850 Whataburger restaurants across these 10 states will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with the purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink. 

Every dollar donated during the week-long fundraiser will go to Feeding America and its member food banks in the local communities where the money is given. It’s all in support of Whataburger Feeding Student Success, the company’s signature community program operating at the intersection of food insecurity and education and focusing on helping students at all levels of education achieve their goals and dreams.

“Feeding America is doing such amazing work through their network of food banks. All of us at Whataburger are looking forward to joining our customers in showing support for them during Orange Spirit Week,” said Ed Nelson, Whataburger CEO. “We invite our friends and neighbors to visit their local Whataburger throughout the week and donate to help keep our children nourished and on the path to bright futures.” 

The magic of Whataburger started on Aug. 8, 1950, in a tiny burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. An entrepreneur named Harmon Dobson set out to build a burger so delicious that customers would take that first bite and say, “What a burger!” Today, Whataburger is known for awesome burgers, big flavor and the brand’s pride in taking care of its guests, communities and employees, known as Family Members. Orange Spirit Week celebrates its founding and the foundation for success that Dobson created.

The 2021 celebration will kick off in San Antonio on Sunday, Aug. 8, with a drive-through teacher appreciation event. During the week, Whataburger employees, known as Family Members, will assemble and deliver 10,000 school supply bags to local organizations across 10 states.

*$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local member food banks. Whataburger guarantees a minimum donation of $250,000 as a result of the Promotion, with no maximum set.

Guests at Whataburger’s more than 180 restaurants across the Dallas-Fort Worth area made donations that will help The Salvation Army fund children and youth programs, including their Project Tomorrow program, which provides scholarships for gifted and talented at-risk middle school and high school students.

Whataburger guests who donated received a coupon for a free Whataburger as a thank-you for their part in making the fundraiser a success. The donation, announced at halftime of the Cowboys' game against the Philadelphia Eagles, was the culmination of a month-long fundraiser that began on Thanksgiving, and kicked off with a special meal at Youth Education Town.  

Timely Support

The funding comes in a year of amplified needs, with more families struggling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Now, more than ever, at-risk children need the support of our programs so they can live up to their fullest potential and attend college, and your generous donations will serve them during a critical time,” said Major Todd Hawks, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “Community partners are vital to making our work possible, and we want to thank Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys for keeping this important mission alive this holiday season.”

The fundraiser is part of Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success program, a companywide initiative to support students across the communities the brand serves.

“Many children in our area struggle with difficult life circumstances and limited access to educational resources, and The Salvation Army of North Texas goes above and beyond to provide resources to support them,” said Whataburger Division Vice President Mark Brown. “Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success program is all about investing in our students. Together with the Dallas Cowboys, we can make a real difference for DFW children by helping to remove obstacles to student success.”

“The Dallas Cowboys are proud of the role we play in supporting our local community,” said Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones. “That’s why we’re excited to team up with Whataburger and our community partner, The Salvation Army, to once again help tackle the critical need for funding local youth programs, and give at-risk kids the best opportunity at overcoming difficult situations.”

About Whataburger

Whataburger has served up its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it. Newsweek ranked Whataburger second on its 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service brands in the Fast Food category. Visit whataburger.com for more information.

About Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation

In the area of community service, Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation’s mission is built upon an overall philosophy of helping those who don't have the strength, the resources or the means to help themselves. As a sports entity that has enjoyed unprecedented success and recognition for six decades, the Dallas Cowboys feel a very strong obligation to transfer that championship tradition and the magic that it creates toward the bigger purpose of making a difference in the community. More information about the Dallas Cowboys is available at www.dallascowboys.com.

About The Salvation Army of North Texas

The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 17 centers of operation in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton and Ellis counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring and job placement, and more. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.

From Thursday, Nov. 26, at 3 p.m. through Monday, Dec. 21, at 3 p.m., customers who donate $1 or more to The Salvation Army of North Texas at any of the 181 Whataburger locations across the North Texas region will receive a thank-you coupon for a free Whataburger with purchase of a medium fry and 32-ounce drink.

Due to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need to support local children is greater than ever and the ability to raise critical funds is at risk. This year, with Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys on their team, The Salvation Army of North Texas hopes to raise money to help meet the increased needs to keep local kids off the sidelines and in the game.

“Now, more than ever, at-risk children need the support of our programs so they can live up to their fullest potential and attend college, and your generous donations will serve them during a critical time,” said Major Todd Hawks, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of North Texas. “Community partners are vital to making our work possible, and we want to thank Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys for keeping this important mission alive this holiday season.”

To ensure all children and youth have the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond, funds raised will support after-school programs, sports and performing arts. The fundraiser is part of Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success program, a companywide initiative to support students across the communities the brand serves.

“Many children in our area struggle with difficult life circumstances and limited access to educational resources, and The Salvation Army of North Texas goes above and beyond to provide resources to support them,” said Whataburger Division Vice President Mark Brown. “Whataburger’s Feeding Student Success program is all about investing in our students. Together with the Dallas Cowboys, we can make a real difference for DFW children by helping to remove obstacles to student success.”

Whataburger and the Dallas Cowboys will host a kickoff event on Thursday, Dec. 3, at 4:30 p.m. at The Salvation Army’s Youth Education Town in Arlington, where they will provide hot meals and gift bags for students, with extra special visits from mascots Rowdy and Whataguy. A final check presentation with the total amount raised will take place on Sunday, Dec. 27, at the AT&T Stadium during the Cowboys home game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

“The Dallas Cowboys are proud of the role we play in supporting our local community,” said Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer, Charlotte Jones. “That’s why we’re excited to team up with Whataburger and our community partner, The Salvation Army, to once again help tackle the critical need for funding local youth programs, and give at-risk kids the best opportunity at overcoming difficult situations.”

For more information and future announcements about the fundraiser, visit Whataburger’s digital newsroom.

About Whataburger

Whataburger has served up its fresh, made-to-order burgers and friendly customer service since 1950, when Harmon Dobson opened the first Whataburger as a small roadside burger stand in Corpus Christi, Texas. Today, the company is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, with more than 840 locations in 10 states and sales of more than $2.5 billion annually. Whataburger has 50,000 Family Members (employees) and more than 14 million customers who like to customize their Whataburgers just the way they like it. Newsweek ranked Whataburger second on its 2021 list of America’s Best Customer Service brands in the Fast Food category. Visit whataburger.com for more information.

About Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation

In the area of community service, Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation’s mission is built upon an overall philosophy of helping those who don't have the strength, the resources or the means to help themselves. As a sports entity that has enjoyed unprecedented success and recognition for six decades, the Dallas Cowboys feel a very strong obligation to transfer that championship tradition and the magic that it creates toward the bigger purpose of making a difference in the community. More information about the Dallas Cowboys is available at www.dallascowboys.com.

About The Salvation Army of North Texas

The Salvation Army of North Texas provides a range of services to combat poverty, addiction, and homelessness at 17 centers of operation in Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton and Ellis counties. Faithful to our mission, The Salvation Army enables God-empowered transformations of individuals and society through food assistance, shelter, rehabilitation, counseling, spiritual support, mentoring and job placement, and more. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyNorthTexas.org.

In a year full of challenges, they are turning obstacles into opportunities, one mute button at a time.

That’s why this World Teachers’ Day we’re saluting all educators with a special “Thank You” message on our restaurant pole signs. And to honor some special educators this World Teachers’ Day, Whataburger asked more than 100 schools from Florida to Arizona to identify true superheroes on their campuses. 

The stories came flooding in.

For one teacher, a deeply personal loss fueled a passion to advocate for suicide prevention measures. Another saw a student in need and reached across a language barrier to help a whole family with food, clothing, technology supplies, and even affordable housing. Another masked up and drove to every student’s house with a gift bag and curbside “Meet-the-Teacher” night. 

On World Teachers’ Day, we’ll be surprising these teachers with fun Whataburger swag, gift cards to make meal time super convenient, and Visa gift cards to treat themselves. (Step away from the school supply aisle, please!)

Our Whataburger Feeding Student Success program is committed to helping all students succeed, and we’re proud to honor the women and men who make that their lives’ work.