A new program designed to develop leadership skills and acquaint University of Louisville students with opportunities in franchising has announced its first scholar cohort.
The Yum! Scholars Program, launched this fall through the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence in the UofL College of Business, has welcomed 10 students to its first cohort. Yum! Scholars, who may be from any school and major across the university, receive up to $8,000 in financial support and mentoring within a community designed to help them become the next generation of leaders who drive growth, innovation and success in the franchising world. Successful scholars will embody the spirit of leadership, resilience and community impact.
“Being selected as a Yum! Scholar means having the support and opportunity to turn my hard work and dreams into a future where I can give back to my community,” said Ethan Walker, a junior majoring in business administration and one of the scholars selected.
The program is made possible by a $1-million endowment from Yum! Brands, demonstrating Yum!’s commitment to investing in the next generation of franchise business leaders. The program aims to prepare talented individuals for thriving careers in franchising, business and leadership.
“It’s truly a pleasure to support these amazing students from Yum! Brands’ home state of Kentucky,” said Kat Abner, senior manager, community impact for Yum! Brands. “It is so rewarding to continue working with the University of Louisville on innovative ways to provide a best-in-class education to those interested in a career in franchising. The industry’s future leaders are being trained today at the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence.”
The Yum! Scholars Program is a cohort experience that builds a strong community of changemakers driven to make a difference on campus and beyond. As part of the program, each scholar will receive $1,000 per semester for up to eight semesters and engage in franchising education and community designed to inspire them to explore careers and leadership in the franchise industry. Each year, the program plans to add five students from the incoming freshman class.
Yum! Scholars are selected for academic potential along with how they live out the four core values that reflect the spirit of the Yum! Scholars Program:
- Drive: Demonstrate grit and determination by rising above obstacles and turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
- Leadership: Lead with integrity, courage and empathy – taking initiative and inspiring positive momentum in every endeavor.
- Belonging: Respect and value the unique experiences of others, fostering an environment where all people and voices are welcome.
- Impact: Strive to make meaningful contributions that create lasting, positive change on campus, in communities and beyond.
Yum! Scholars will have exclusive opportunities to engage with franchise industry professionals to help build their professional network and provide real-world franchising insights as part of the scholars’ community, while pursuing the degree of their choice.
“These students will be prepared to become leaders in the franchising industry,” said Kathleen Gosser, director of the Yum! Center for Global Franchise Excellence. “Franchising provides a tremendous entrepreneurial opportunity for students who are driven and focused. This program will help boost their success and accelerate their careers.”
Yum! Scholars must be residents of Kentucky or a state covered by UofL’s tuition reciprocity agreements and must complete at least one of four designated undergraduate online courses in franchise management during their junior or senior year. To remain eligible, scholars must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and participate in program events, which include workshops, networking and professional development. Current high school seniors are encouraged to apply to be part of the 2026 cohort by Sunday, Dec. 15.
The 2025 Yum! Scholars
- Brian Alonso, Sophomore, Business Admin
- Mohammed Alyaserri, Junior, CIS
- Mateo Barrientos, Junior, Public Health
- Maycee Decker, Junior, Biology
- Ezra Foote, Sophomore, Political Science
- Kyleigh Greenwell, Sophomore, Accountancy
- TaRon Smith, Junior, Neuroscience
- Key’Shawn Stoner, Sophomore, Business Admin
- Ethan Walker, Junior, Business Admin
- Trinity Ziakas, Sophomore, Psychology
