We have some pretty fantastic summertime traditions at Border Foods. In tandem with annual Family Fun Days throughout our markets, this is the time of year when we catch a handful of deserving scholarship winners by surprise with much-desired scholarship checks.
“For us, it’s all about making lives better,” says President Aaron Engler. “When we make our people a priority, of course the guests benefit, too. We love surprising people with scholarships, knowing that we’re making a difference in their lives within Border and beyond!”
It can’t be easy juggling work and school, but we see it done time and time again by many of our team members. That’s why we’re proud to offer two scholarship opportunities in the Border Foods Scholarship and the Carol Williams Scholarship, named in honor of our late VP of Operations who passed away in 2018 but left an indelible mark on our company and culture.
“The scholarship initially grew out of a need to make something meaningful and purposeful out of her loss,” says Carol’s daughter, Krysta Williams, of the namesake scholarship. “She cared so much more about people than about things … she really gave her life and legacy to Border Foods. She grew up there, becoming a woman, wife and mom, and growing up with many colleagues that became the closest of friends. She was so grateful for the opportunity she got as a young woman that forever changed her life, so it was only fitting to pass that on as a way to remember her.”
“If you put people at the center and try to do the right thing, you will be doing what you’re meant to do.” -Krysta Williams, daughter of the late Carol Williams
Border Foods is pleased to carry on Carol’s legacy time and time again. As Krysta says so eloquently, regardless of how long a student may work for our company (at least six months), we have an incredible opportunity to have “profound impact” on team members’ lives — while keeping Carol’s spirit alive.
Congratulations to our 2023 Carol Williams and Border Foods scholarship winners!
$5,500 Carol Williams Scholarship Winners
Jaydlyn Skinner, Shift Lead, Bettendorf, IA
Quinn James, Team Trainer, Buffalo, MN
Yakelyn Morales, Shift Lead, Maple Grove, MN
$3,000 Carol Williams Scholarship Winners
Afton Barr, Team Member, Wyoming, WY
Ava Knuteson, Team Trainer, Hudson, WI
Chloe Andrews, Shift Lead, Wyoming, MI
Joshua Jesus Mendoza, Team Member, Minneapolis, MN
Olivia Brainard, Team Member, Holland, MI
About Border Foods’ Scholarships
The Border Foods and Carol Williams scholarships were introduced together in 2019. Team members pursuing higher education may be eligible to apply! Applicants must have been employed with Border Foods for at least six months (averaging an 18-hour work week) as of the application deadline and be actively pursuing secondary education. Any money awarded is to be used for tuition and other school costs. And guess what? Recipients can stack Border Foods scholarship wins with Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship, which ranges from a generous $5,000 to $25,000!
