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Kroger's Scholarship Program: Supporting Education for Employees' Children

In an impressive display of commitment to educational advancement, the Kroger Co. Foundation has awarded $265,000 in scholarships to 106 deserving young students for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative, part of the Kroger Scholars Program, highlights the corporation's dedication to supporting the children of their associates in achieving higher education goals.

Since its inception in 2008, the Kroger Scholars Program has provided over $5 million in scholarships, enabling thousands of students to pursue their dreams in college and vocational training. This year's selected students will be granted $2,500 each, which can be applied towards any accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational training program. Notably, the beneficiaries represent more than 85 institutions across the nation, showcasing the wide-ranging impact of the initiative.

Kenzie Wyman, a proud recipient of the Kroger scholarship and a business major at Columbus State University, shared her heartfelt gratitude. “This support truly makes a difference for my family,” she said. “The Kroger scholarship allows me to focus more on my studies and pursue my athletic career without the added stress of financial pressure. I'm truly grateful for this opportunity and all it represents.”

The selection process for the Kroger Scholars is based on various criteria aimed at identifying well-rounded individuals. Students are chosen not only for their academic achievements but also for their involvement in volunteer work, civic engagement, extracurricular activities, and relevant work experience. This holistic approach ensures that the foundation invests in students who are not only academically capable but also committed to making a positive impact in their communities.

Eligibility for these scholarships extends to children of associates within the Kroger Family of Companies who have been employed for at least two years and have logged a minimum of 1,000 work hours annually. This includes biological, adopted, and stepchildren, reflecting Kroger’s inclusive approach to support its workforce.

In addition to the scholarship program, Kroger also promotes further education among its associates through a generous tuition reimbursement program. Offering up to $21,000 for both full-time and part-time employees, this initiative has invested over $64 million since it began, further empowering workers to pursue educational opportunities that enhance their careers. Notably, approximately 90% of recipients of this reimbursement program are hourly associates, indicating the company's commitment to supporting its workforce at all levels.

Kroger’s dedication to fostering educational advancement and career growth has not gone unnoticed in the corporate world. The company has received multiple accolades, including recognition from Handshake for outstanding early career hiring practices, being named a top workplace for diverse professionals by Mogul, and ranking among the best companies for diversity by Newsweek. Additionally, it has been recognized by Computerworld as one of the top 100 best workplaces in IT.

In pursuit of its mission to feed the human spirit, Kroger aims to create opportunities for education and empowerment, demonstrating that they value both their employees and their families. The company's comprehensive efforts to support the educational aspirations of its associates and their children ultimately contribute to the building of stronger, more resilient communities.

For more information on the Kroger Co. Foundation and the scholarship program, visit their official site. The Foundation's commitment to giving back reflects not only its values but also a commitment to creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Kroger stands as more than just a grocery retailer; it is a community-focused organization striving to cultivate environments of opportunity and support.