Denny's Celebrates Academic Excellence
Denny's, known as America’s Diner, recently celebrated recipients of its prestigious Hungry for Education™ Scholarship program. The company awarded a remarkable total of
$161,000 to outstanding students from various communities throughout the United States, who are making a significant impact.
For over thirteen years, Denny's has committed to supporting multicultural communities through this scholarship initiative. Recognizing education as a vital element in personal and communal advancement, the program rewards students for their innovative written presentations on pressing social issues, such as child hunger and community strengthening.
April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s Vice President and Director of Inclusion and Community Engagement, expressed her pride in the scholarship winners, stating, "Our scholars are visionaries, advocates, and agents of change. We take pride in supporting these talented young leaders by amplifying their voices and assisting their educational paths. Their ideas inspire us to do more for the communities we serve."
Each year, during the academic calendar, the program provides scholarships to deserving students who present their visions of how Denny's can contribute to uplifting communities even further. This year’s national scholarship winner is
Jamya Crawford, a Health Sciences student at Clemson University in Moore, South Carolina. Jamya shared, "This recognition means so much to me as it reflects the power of showing up with heart and purpose. Denny's has been a beacon of support in my community, inspiring me to build meaningful connections and create lasting impacts together."
The initiative has awarded over
$2.7 million in scholarships since its inception in 2011, reaffirming Denny's longstanding commitment to advancing education and social equity. Crawford emphasized the crucial role of mental health education for students transitioning to college, suggesting that Denny's could further unite communities by providing mental health classes, time management workshops, and networking opportunities for high school students.
Crawford reflected on her transition to university life, which initially posed challenges. However, she felt empowered by the resources offered at her school, recognizing that this kind of support is essential for helping students navigate the stress of college life effectively. "I believe Denny's can unite communities by offering mental health and time management classes to high school students. Adapting to college can adversely affect students’ mental health, especially when trying to meet high expectations. Programs like these would prepare students to handle the pressures of university life better, subsequently improving their mental wellbeing."
As we look forward, Denny's continues to seek innovative ways to enhance community connections and foster educational success. For a complete list of this year’s scholarship beneficiaries, please visit
Denny’s official website.
Denny’s, established in Spartanburg, South Carolina, boasts over 70 years of service, offering delicious meals at affordable prices throughout breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night offerings. Whether in their physical locations or via Denny’s On Demand, Denny's is committed to providing delightful dining experiences.
Besides supporting educational initiatives, Denny's demonstrates its community spirit through various outreach efforts, including the
Mobile Relief Diner, which provides hot meals to communities during times of disaster, and their annual fundraising efforts for the
No Kid Hungry campaign. As of December 25, 2024, Denny's operated
1,499 restaurants globally, emphasizing its position as one of the largest franchised full-service restaurant brands in the world.
For further information about Denny's Hungry for Education™ program or to apply, please visit
Denny’s website.