Subway has awarded $625,000 to 250 of the brand’s sandwich artists from the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico and Australia. The program is administered through Scholarship America and funded by The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, according to a press release.
The Subway Fresh Start Scholarship was created in memory of the chain’s co-founder, Fred DeLuca. DeLuca opened the first Subway restaurant in August 1965 when he was a 17-year-old high school graduate looking to help fund his college education. He was given a $1,000 loan from family friend, Dr. Peter Buck, and together they turned a single Bridgeport, Connecticut, sandwich shop into one of the largest and most recognized brands in the world.
“I’ve worked at Subway for almost four years, doing all that I can to help out my family. (We) have dealt with an array of financial struggles over the past couple of years, and it’s been pretty hard on us. So, when I say that I’m extremely thankful for this scholarship, I truly mean it. Your generosity has inspired me, and I hope to one day be able to help students in the way you have,” says scholarship recipient Ella Kilstrom of Iowa.
Since its founding, more than $4.3 million in Subway Fresh Start Scholarships have been awarded, fueling education and futures for approximately 1,750 Subway restaurant employees.
“Providing opportunities for growth is a major focus of The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation and the Subway Cares Foundation™,” Michele DiNello, Subway Cares Foundation executive director, said in the press release. “Tuition assistance is one of the three pillars of our mission. Providing that assistance allows us to fuel the potential of these outstanding students and future leaders. The Fresh Start Scholarship also helps Subway Franchisees attract and retain great talent in their restaurants.”
Subway operates more than 37,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries.
