Scholarships underscore Austin-area McDonald’s commitment to education in Central Texas

The Austin Community College (ACC) Foundation in partnership with the Central Texas McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association has awarded 10 Central Texas students with $1,000 scholarships.

“McDonald’s is committed to giving back to our community, and supporting education initiatives is an important part of what we do,” said Dan Kinney, president of the Central Texas McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association. “We are proud to congratulate the winners, and we wish them all the best in their college careers.”

The 10 scholarship recipients include education, nursing, International business, dental hygiene, marketing and accounting majors. They include:

• Karina Castelan, Education major from Bastrop High School in Bastrop
• Caitlin Chambers, Education major from Richarte High School in Georgetown
• Heather Fovoccia, Nursing major from Bastrop High School in Bastrop
• Brent Gossen, International Business major from Vista Ridge High School in Leander
• Mayra Jimenez, Nursing major from Bastrop High School in Bastrop
• Elizabeth Leal, Education major from Lehman High School in Kyle
• Brooke Mann, Dental Hygiene major from New Hope High School in Leander
• Irma Rios, Nursing major from Luling High School, Luling
• Eric Silveira, Marketing major from Cedar Park High School, Leander
• Kristin Stanczak, Accounting major from McNeil High School in Round Rock

In Spring 2009, McDonald’s and the ACC Foundation put out a call for applicants in order to provide scholarships to make college more affordable for those who wish to attend but are prohibited by cost.

The scholarships were open to any student attending ACC who had a high school diploma, at least a 2.5 out of 4.0 GPA; were enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours; and had financial need. The scholarships can be used for tuition, fees, or books. More information on the scholarships can be found at austincc.edu/foundation/scholarships/McDonalds.php

“ACC would like to thank McDonald’s for its generosity and support of Austin Community College and all of our area campuses,” said David Bender, scholarship chair of the ACC Foundation. “Due to the Central Texas area McDonald’s, 10 outstanding students will find paying for college a little easier.”

Austin Community College District, Central Texas’ community college, is the primary gateway to higher education and career training for residents in eight counties. The college provides access to affordable, quality education. ACC enrolls more than 40,000 credit students, offering university transfer courses, two-year associate degrees, certificates, Early College Start, access programs that get students “college-ready,” and continuing education. At ACC you can “Start here. Get there.”

McDonald’s USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees including 65 in the Central Texas area. For more information on McDonald’s visit www.mcdonalds.com or log on at any of the 10,000 Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s U.S. restaurants.