Auburn College of Education EAGLES program receives $75,000 grant from Chick-fil-A

The EAGLES program in Auburn University’s College of Education has inspired many for years and is now receiving a lofty award and generous grant for doing just that — being truly inspiring.  

On Wednesday, the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success (EAGLES)  program was named the recipient of a $75,000 grant through the annual Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards® program. With this donation from Chick-fil-A, Inc., the EAGLES program will further its work of providing a comprehensive transition program for students with intellectual disabilities, providing academic enrichment for independent living on the campus of Auburn University. 

“We are thrilled and grateful to have been selected by Chick-fil-A as a regional winner of their True Inspiration Awards grant program,” said EAGLES program director Betty Patten. “It’s so heartwarming to see such a community-oriented organization support our program and our students, which demonstrates an understanding of the tremendous value our students add to the greater Auburn community.”

EAGLES is a non-degree program focusing on academic enrichment, the teaching of personal and social skills, independent living skills, health and wellness enhancement and integrated work experiences. 

Monday’s donation from Chick-fil-A, Inc. was in recognition of how EAGLES has inspired others since its inception in 2018. The award factored in the immense impact of the program in caring for people — one of Chick-fil-A’s four corporate social responsibility pillars — and it followed weeks of the Auburn faithful voting in support of the program as part of the award process through the Chick-fil-A App. 

EAGLES was nominated for the award by Dwight and Dana Sones, the local Owner-Operators of Chick-fil-A Frederick North in Frederick, Maryland, along with Bob McFadden, Owner-Operator of the Chick-fil-A restaurant on Magnolia Avenue in Auburn. The Sones’ daughter Karina is a recent EAGLES graduate, showing them firsthand the impact that the EAGLES Program has on its students and their families.

During the presentation, Dwight Sones told those present that Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy would often ask this question: “Why not your best in anything and everything you do?”  Sones said the EAGLES program is the epitome of doing one’s best, “And I’m proud to sing the praises of your wonderful work. You guys have truly done your best, and I appreciate that.” 

Sones offered his thanks to Chick-fil-A, Inc. as well.

“Chick-fil-A really gives back in many, many ways, from grants to scholarships to other incredible opportunities,” he said. “So, it's a world-class organization that follows through on its commitment to caring for others and for local communities.” 

EAGLES is one of 56 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients in 2025 that are receiving a collective $6 million from Chick-fil-A, Inc. To be selected, an organization had to address a pressing issue in their community that aligns with one of Chick-fil-A’s corporate social responsibility priorities: Caring for People, Caring for Others through Food, Caring for Our Communities and Caring for our Planet. 

The True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015 to carry on Cathy’s legacy of generosity and community service. In these past 10 years, 357 grants ranging from $30,000 to $350,000 have been distributed to organizations located across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and the U.K.  

“At Chick-fil-A, we are committed to enriching the communities we serve by partnering with local nonprofits that create meaningful change,” said Brent Fielder, vice president of Global Impact for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “This year’s True Inspiration Awards recipients embody the spirit of servant leadership, tackling challenges like hunger, advancing educational support and mentoring at-risk youth. It’s a privilege to support these difference-makers through the largest number of True Inspiration Awards in our history.” 

Jeffrey Fairbrother, dean and Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor of Auburn's College of Education, said Chick-fil-A’s support means so much to the EAGLES program, which he said is emblematic of the college’s mission of building a better future for all. 

“EAGLES is such a great example of the power of education and how we as a college work hard every day to remove barriers, open doors and improve lives,” he said. “We are grateful to Chick-fil-A and the many others in the Auburn Family who have wholeheartedly demonstrated their dedicated support of this life-changing program.” 

In addition to the Chick-fil-A award, the EAGLES program also finds inspiration in the promise of a new home. Currently based in Foy Hall on Auburn’s campus, the EAGLES program will move later this year into the new 167,000-square-foot College of Education building under construction at the intersection of Samford Avenue and Duncan Drive. The new space will include an EAGLES reception area, tech lab, kitchen and life skills lab for experiential learning.

More can be learned about the EAGLES program online. To discover more about the Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards program and see a full list of this year’s recipients, visit chickfila.com/true-inspiration-awards.