Fulton Taco Bell surprises crew member with $10,000 Live Más Scholarship

Managers at the Fulton Taco Bell surprised crew member Elisabeth Dona with a $10,000 Live Más Scholarship check during a small in-person presentation at the restaurant on January 20, 2026. The ceremony, which included a ceremonial check and a photo opportunity, recognized Dona after she was selected from a large pool of applicants for the national scholarship program.

The Live Más Scholarship awards money to Taco Bell employees who submit two-minute videos outlining their passions and goals. Hundreds of employees apply each year, and awards range from $2,500 to $25,000. The program is structured to be accessible to hourly team members, requiring only a short video entry rather than lengthy paperwork, which can lower barriers for workers balancing shifts and other responsibilities.

For crew-level employees, the scholarship represents both direct financial help and a symbolic investment from the company in staff development. A $10,000 award can make a meaningful difference in covering tuition, books, certification programs, or living costs while pursuing education. It also serves as a concrete example of how employers can support upward mobility for hourly workers and demonstrates that corporate recognition can play a role in retention and job satisfaction.

The surprise presentation at the Fulton location underscored the local impact of a national program. Small, in-person recognitions can build team morale during shifts and draw attention to career pathways within the restaurant. For managers, highlighting scholarship wins can strengthen recruitment pitches and show prospective hires that the employer offers more than hourly wages.

Competition for the Live Más Scholarship is steep because hundreds of Taco Bell employees nationwide apply annually. That competitive element means awards are notable achievements that can be leveraged on resumes and school applications. The program’s video-focused application also encourages applicants to articulate career goals and develop communication skills that are valuable on and off the clock.

For crew members weighing the time cost of applying, this example shows the potential payoff. A brief, two-minute submission led to a five-figure award and local recognition. As employers increasingly spotlight benefits beyond pay, workers should weigh available development programs when considering job options.

The scholarship win at Fulton highlights individual advancement and a broader trend of corporate programs aimed at education support for hourly staff. For employees, the takeaway is clear: small investments of time in employer-sponsored opportunities can yield substantive returns, and managers who celebrate those wins can strengthen team cohesion and career momentum.