Each year, the McDonald’s Family Restaurants of Greater Washington, D.C., honors high school seniors throughout the Greater Washington, D.C., area who have demonstrated leadership, character, exceptional scholastic skills and volunteerism through the McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program.

 At least 45 student honorees each receive a $1,500 scholarship to the college or university of their choice and are recognized at an award banquet each spring.  

The  McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program recipients are chosen based on an application and a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or community service leader. Students also submit two short essays detailing lessons they have learned through community service and the importance of education in relation to cultural diversity. 

2008 marks the fifth year of the McDonald’s Educates Scholarship Program.  In the past four years, the McDonald’s Family of Greater Washington, D.C., has given more than $327,000 in scholarships to local students.