Numerous businesses and financial institutions offer programs designed to reward students for academic achievement. These initiatives range from complimentary food items and entertainment to direct cash payments and scholarship opportunities. The availability of these rewards often depends on geographic location, specific franchise participation, and adherence to submission requirements. This guide compiles information on current programs reported for the 2025 academic year, detailing eligibility criteria and redemption processes based on data from promotional blogs and official program descriptions.
Restaurant and Food Rewards
A significant number of national and regional restaurant chains participate in rewarding students for good grades. However, because many locations are independently owned and operated, participation is not guaranteed at every establishment. Consumers are advised to contact specific locations in advance to confirm program details.
National Chain Offers Several well-known food service brands offer free menu items for good report cards. * Baskin-Robbins: Select locations offer a free scoop of ice cream for students presenting a report card showing good grades. Some sources indicate that teachers may distribute "Honor Roll Free Scoop Certificates" to qualifying students. * Bob Evans: Participating locations offer a free scoop of ice cream to students who have received good grades. * Burger King: At select locations, students may receive a free hamburger or ice cream cone for good grades. Some reports specify this reward is for achieving a 100% grade on a test. * Chick-fil-A: Participating locations offer a free 8-pack of nuggets to students who bring in a report card showing all A’s and B’s. It is recommended to call the specific location beforehand to confirm participation. * Cold Stone Creamery: Good grades may earn a free scoop of ice cream at participating locations. * IHOP: A free kids' meal is available for students presenting a good report card at select locations. * Krispy Kreme: Students can receive a free Original Glazed doughnut for each "A" grade on their report card, up to a maximum of six doughnuts. This offer is available for elementary through high school students. * Pizza Hut: The "Book It!" program awards a Personal Pan Pizza and a small soft drink or carton of milk to elementary and middle school students who have three "A" grades or the equivalent during a marking period. The offer is dine-in only; the student must be present, and the original report card must be presented to the manager. * Cheryl’s Cookies: Offers up to three free cookies for "A" grades.
Local and Independent Restaurant Programs * Applebee's: The "A is for Applebee's" program provides certificates for free kids' meals to students with good grades. These certificates are distributed through schools. This program is not available in Florida. * Chuck E. Cheese: Participating locations offer rewards for good grades. Students may receive a "Super Student Award" or "Graduation Certificate."
Retail and Entertainment Rewards
Beyond food establishments, other businesses offer incentives for academic success, ranging from free products to entertainment credits.
- Family Video: The "Report Card A" program offers a free video rental for "A" grades in core classes. This program is open to students from Kindergarten through College.
- Minor League Baseball (Richmond Flying Squirrels): The "Score An A" program allows K-12 students to earn a free general admission ticket to a regular season game for every "A" on their current report card.
- Kudzoo App: Middle school and college students can download the free Kudzoo app to build "Kudzoo cash," which can be redeemed at various locations including restaurants and concert venues.
Financial Incentives and Scholarships
Financial institutions offer cash rewards and scholarship programs to incentivize academic excellence. These programs typically require specific account setups and formal submission of report cards.
First Community Bank (Utah) The "Good Grades Pay" program offers cash rewards to Utah students aged 14 to 25. To participate, students must have an active "Totally Free Checking" account with First Community Bank; minors under 18 must open a joint account with a parent or guardian. * Earnings Structure: Students earn $3 for every "A" or "A-" grade, up to a maximum of $20 per term. An additional $5 bonus is awarded for a 4.0 term average. * Submission Requirements: Report cards must be submitted to an FCB branch by designated deadlines. * Deadlines for 2025-2026: * First Term: November 14, 2025 * Second Term: January 30, 2026 * Third Term: April 17, 2026 * Fourth Term: June 19, 2026 * Tax Implications: The cash award is treated as interest and reported on IRS Form 1099-INT.
Alpine Bank Alpine Bank offers a reward program where students can earn money for "A" and "B" grades. * Process: A copy of the child's most recent school report card must be brought to an Alpine Bank location. * Earnings: The bank draws winning report cards to receive $10 for "A" grades (or 4s) and $5 for "B" grades (or 3s) for the five main subjects.
General Banking Incentives Several credit unions and banks offer deposits into student accounts for good grades. Consumers are encouraged to check with their specific financial institution to inquire about available "report card reward" programs.
Alternative Reward Systems
Not all students achieve "A" or "B" grades, but academic effort should still be recognized. Families can implement their own reward systems to celebrate hard work or improvement, regardless of store policies that typically focus on high achievers.
Non-Monetary and Experiential Ideas * Buying a new book, video game, or LEGO set. * Visiting a museum, pool, or movie theater. * Planning a special dinner, dessert outing, camping trip, or weekend getaway. * Allowing the child to choose the family night activity (bowling, mini-golf, etc.). * Granting a weekend off from chores. * Hosting a sleepover.
Conclusion
The landscape of report card rewards for the 2025 school year encompasses a wide variety of incentives, from complimentary food items at major chains like Pizza Hut and Chick-fil-A to cash payments from regional banks like First Community Bank. While these programs are widely advertised, the most critical step for consumers is verification. Because participation is often limited to specific franchises or geographic regions, contacting the provider or checking official program websites is essential before attempting to redeem a reward. Additionally, families are encouraged to utilize non-commercial reward systems to celebrate academic effort and improvement.