Decatur senior receives $20K scholarship from KFC
Published 1:55 pm Wednesday, April 15, 2026
A KFC employee in Federal Way has received a $20,000 KFC Foundation Scholarship to further his educational dreams in a surprise restaurant celebration April 14.
Hayden Lum, Decatur High School senior and a KFC employee at 2300 SW 336th St., plans to use the scholarship toward beginning his education this fall at Purdue University for a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Hayden, who will be a first-generation college student, is driven by a passion for understanding how things work and using that insight to help others. In addition to leading SAT study sessions to support classmates, he balances rigorous AP coursework with his work responsibilities at KFC. Hayden hopes to design systems and technologies that improve everyday life, and believes this scholarship will allow him to focus more fully on his education, career goals and opportunities to grow as a future leader.
Only 11 receive the $20,000 scholarship each year. Hayden earned the scholarship based on a personal essay and demonstrated financial need. Since its inception in 2012, the program has awarded over $25 million in scholarships to more than 8,500 KFC restaurant employees.
