When people search for a McDonald’s scholarship, they’re usually talking about one of several major programs McDonald’s runs to support college-bound students. In 2026, McDonald’s continues to invest heavily in education — especially through its HACER®, Black & Positively Golden®, and APIA (Asian & Pacific Islander American) scholarship programs.

Whether you’re a high school senior hoping to go to a university in the U.S., or a McDonald’s crew member looking to further your education, here’s a breakdown of what’s new in 2026, who’s eligible, how to apply, and what you need to do to increase your chances.

What Are the Main McDonald’s Scholarship Programs in 2026?

1. HACER® National Scholarship

McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship is one of the most well-known awards — designed for high school seniors who plan to attend college. In 2026, McDonald’s will award up to $1 million across roughly 100 students, continuing its mission to support future leaders. (McDonald’s)

Some key eligibility criteria for HACER include:

  • Be a high school senior under the age of 21. (McDonald’s)
  • Hold at least a 2.8 GPA. (McDonald’s)
  • Be a U.S. citizen, legal resident, or DACA/DREAMer. (McDonald’s)
  • Submit a transcript, personal statement, letter of recommendation, and list of community service. (McDonald’s)
  • While initial application doesn’t require FAFSA, semifinalists will need to provide a FAFSA Submission Summary. (McDonald’s)

Deadline for 2026: The HACER application closes on February 17, 2026. (McDonald’s)
Award Tiers:

2. Black & Positively Golden® (B&PG) Scholarship

This scholarship is run in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) and supports students attending HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges & Universities). (Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc.)

Read Also: ROTC Scholarships: Complete 2025 Guide (How to Apply, Requirements & Benefits)

For the 2026-2027 academic year, McDonald’s and TMCF expect to award 60 scholars a need-based scholarship of up to $15,000. The grant is disbursed in two installments — one in Fall 2026 and another in Spring 2027. (Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc.)

Eligibility Highlights:

Application Window: The 2026-2027 B&PG scholarship opens on September 15, 2025 and closes on April 24, 2026. (Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc.)

3. APIA (Asian & Pacific Islander American) Scholarship

McDonald’s partners with APIA Scholars to support students of Asian and Pacific Islander descent (or those with a strong commitment to APIA communities). (McDonald’s)

For the 2026-2027 cycle, there are two scholarship tiers:

Eligibility is based on academic achievement, financial need, and community involvement. (McDonald’s)

Why Are These Scholarships So Valuable?

  • Massive Funding: McDonald’s is committing large sums in 2026 — for HACER, for instance, up to $1 million is being awarded. (McDonald’s)
  • Diverse Reach: The programs cover a wide range of communities — Latino/Hispanic (HACER), Black students at HBCUs (B&PG), and APIA students.
  • No Repayment Needed: These are grants, not loans. Recipients don’t have to pay back the funds.
  • Network & Support: Beyond money, these scholarships often connect students with mentorship, leadership opportunities, and McDonald’s-related networks.

What’s Changed in 2026 (Important Updates)

  1. HACER Eligibility Expanded: McDonald’s modified HACER’s eligibility criteria after a legal challenge — now, students don’t have to have a Latino parent; applicants must simply demonstrate a commitment to the Latino community. (New York Post)

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  1. Increased B&PG Funding: The 2026-2027 Black & Positively Golden scholarship will support 60 students with larger awards. (Thurgood Marshall College Fund, Inc.)
  2. APIA Tier Structure Maintained: The two-tier APIA scholarship structure continues, making it accessible to both high-achieving and financially needy students. (McDonald’s)

How to Apply Successfully for McDonald’s Scholarships in 2026

  • Start Early: The HACER deadline is in mid-February, while B&PG applications open in September 2025 — so plan ahead.
  • Gather Documents: For HACER, prepare your transcript, a personal statement, community service list, and a letter of recommendation. (McDonald’s)
  • Complete the FAFSA: Even though HACER’s initial application doesn’t require your FAFSA, semi-finalists must submit it. (McDonald’s)
  • Craft a Strong Personal Statement: Use your statement to highlight community impact, leadership, and your goals.
  • Show Financial Need: For B&PG and APIA, being able to demonstrate financial need can boost your chances.
  • Demonstrate Community Commitment: For HACER, it helps to show involvement with the Latino/Hispanic community; for APIA, show engagement in APIA communities.

Conclusion

  • McDonald’s continues to be a major ally in higher education funding — especially in 2026, when some of their scholarships are bigger and more inclusive than ever.
  • The HACER, Black & Positively Golden, and APIA scholarships provide multi-tiered financial support for students from different cultural backgrounds.
  • If you’re eligible, applying to these scholarships could significantly reduce your college costs and connect you to more than just financial aid — but also networks and mentorship.

Categorized in:

Scholarships & Student Opportunities,

Last Update: November 25, 2025