Culver's Scholarship Program Awards Nearly $200,000 To Student Team Members

By: Culver's | 3 Shares 1,030 Reads

Prairie du Sac, Wis. (July 16, 2007) - To help offset the skyrocketing cost of secondary education, Culver's will award upwards of $200,000 in scholarships to 185 restaurant team members during its Annual VIP Scholarship Reception July 17 in Madison, Wis. Recipients will be awarded a $1,000 to $2,000 scholarship from the Culver's® VIP Foundation Scholarship Fund. Thanks to the generosity of Culver's franchisees, suppliers and Culver Franchising System, Inc., in 2007 scholarships totaling $199,500 have been awarded to team members pursuing college and other post-high school education. More than 100 restaurants and their team members from 15 states were represented through this year's program. This is the 14th consecutive year Culver's has awarded scholarships, for a combined total of more than $930,000. Started in 1993 with a single $500 scholarship, Culver's VIP Scholarship program is designed to honor and reward Culver's team members who are committed to continuing their education while working at Culver's. Lea Culver, executive director of the Culver's VIP Foundation, explains why the program plays such an important role in Culver's operations. "Continued education is the key to lifting up local communities, not just for individuals but for the entire community fabric. Because Culver's is often the first employer for many young people, we view this scholarship program as an investment in the future of the local communities where Culver's operates."

VIP Scholarship Awards/Page 2 Culver's VIP Scholarship Reception is an annual event and is attended by restaurant team members from across the country who are part of Culver's growing family.

Culver's restaurants are independently owned and operated in more than 350 locations in 16 states. With new restaurants opening by 2008 in Arizona, and plans to expand into Arkansas and Tennessee, guests will be able to enjoy their Culver's favorites in 19 states across the nation. The owner/operator concept has been a cornerstone of growth for Culver's since the first location opened in Sauk City, Wisconsin, on July 18, 1984. Culver's invests deeply in partnerships and programs, including its VIP scholarship program, Culver's Cares™ charitable program and countless other franchise-driven local efforts. The American Red Cross became a national partner in 2007 and since then a number of local, regional and system-wide programs raised funds and awareness for their efforts. Culver's is the recipient of numerous awards, including the IFMA Silver Plate Award and a coveted "Best In Category – Food" rating, placing Culver's among the Top 50 of more than 300 franchise opportunities nationwide as reviewed by Franchise Business Review.

###