McDonald’s and several other brands offer promotions and rewards for students who achieve academic success. These programs are typically localized, with participation varying by franchise and region. The offers generally require students to present proof of achievement, such as a report card or student identification, at participating locations. Below is a detailed overview of verified student reward programs and discounts based on available data.
Report Card Rewards and Academic Incentives
Several brands provide rewards for students who demonstrate academic excellence through their report cards. These promotions are often subject to local availability, and consumers are advised to contact their nearest participating location prior to visiting.
Free Meals for Good Grades
- McDonald’s: Participating locations may offer a free Happy Meal for students in kindergarten through fifth grade or a free Value Meal for students in sixth through twelfth grade. This offer is typically valid for students presenting a report card showing straight A’s. Availability is determined by individual franchisees.
- Wendy’s: At some participating locations, students with As and Bs on their report cards may receive a free treat when presenting the report card to the cashier.
- Peter Piper Pizza: The Peter Piper Student Incentive Program rewards students for academic achievements with free items such as a personal pizza, soft serve, or a root beer float. Participation varies by location.
- Krispy Kreme: Good students may be eligible to receive up to six free original glazed doughnuts or a 3-pack of doughnuts of their choice at participating locations. Students may be required to show a copy of their report card.
- Cold Stone Creamery: Some locations allow students in kindergarten through fifth grade to exchange a straight A report card for a free ice cream. This deal is noted to be available at only a few locations.
Reading and Behavioral Incentives
- Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Program: This program rewards students in kindergarten through sixth grade for meeting reading goals with free personal pan pizzas, praise, and recognition. Students can continue to earn rewards as long as they meet their reading goals.
- Applebee’s: A limited number of free meal vouchers may be available for students with good report cards or good behavior. These vouchers are sometimes distributed through teachers or libraries. Interested parties should contact their local Applebee’s to verify participation and availability.
Financial Rewards
- Bank Incentives: Some financial institutions offer monetary rewards to students for earning good grades. According to reports, some banks provide $1 for each A and $0.50 for each B.
Student Discounts and General Offers
Beyond academic-specific rewards, various brands offer discounts to students upon presentation of a valid student ID or verification through third-party services. These discounts are often franchise-based and subject to change.
Food and Beverage Discounts
- McDonald’s: Participating locations may offer a 10% discount on purchases when a student ID is presented. This policy varies by store.
- Qdoba: Discounts for students are available at participating locations, with the specific offer varying by store.
- Waffle House: Participating locations offer a 10% discount on coffee and waffles for students.
- General Fast Food Chains: Many fast-food restaurants, including Chick-fil-A, Arby’s, Chipotle, Subway, Dunkin’, and Taco Bell, offer a 10% student discount. However, this varies by location and item.
Meal Delivery and Subscription Services
Several meal kit and delivery services provide substantial discounts for verified students: * Blue Apron: Offers 50% off the first four weeks of meals upon verification with ID.me. * DoorDash: Provides a Student DashPass Plan for $4.99 per month, which includes unlimited deliveries from eligible restaurants and reduced service fees. * EveryPlate: Offers 75% off the first student meal kit box, free shipping, and an ongoing 15% discount for one year for those registered with UNiDAYs. * HelloFresh: Offers 55% off the first food subscription box, free shipping, and an ongoing 15% discount for one year for those registered with UNiDAYs. * Home Chef: Offers 50% off the first four boxes for students who verify their status with Student Beans.
Telecom and Banking Discounts
- AT&T: Offers a discount on mobile service for eligible students, specifically $10 off the Unlimited Premium plan per month per line for up to five lines, or savings of up to $25 on Unlimited mobile service ($10/month for one line or $25/month for two lines) on 5G Unlimited plans.
- U.S. Bank: Offers a student checking account with no monthly maintenance fees, $0 ATM transaction fees at U.S. Bank, waived fees on the first four non-U.S. Bank ATM transactions, $0 overdraft fees when overdrawn $50 or less, and free first order of checks.
Educator Appreciation Programs
While not strictly student-focused, promotional programs for educators highlight the educational focus of certain brand initiatives. * McDonald’s Educator Thank You Meals: In October 2021, McDonald’s offered free breakfast Thank You Meals to educators (teachers, administrators, and school staff) at participating locations nationwide. Educators were required to show a valid work ID during breakfast hours to receive an entrée sandwich, Hash Browns, and a beverage served in a Happy Meal box.
Conclusion
McDonald’s and other brands offer a variety of freebies and discounts for students, primarily centered around academic achievement on report cards. These promotions are highly localized, and participation is not guaranteed at all franchise locations. Students and parents are encouraged to contact local stores directly to confirm current offers and eligibility requirements. Additionally, broader student discounts are available through meal delivery services, telecom providers, and banks, often requiring formal verification of student status.