EAGLES program nominated for Chick-fil-A grant

Auburn University’s Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success, or EAGLES, program has been nominated for a Chick-fil-A 2024 True Inspiration Award which includes a philanthropic grant. The Auburn Family can help the EAGLES program win the top award by voting in the Chick-fil-A app from Sept. 3 to 30.

Created in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder S. Truett Cathy, the True Inspiration Awards celebrate and support programs like EAGLES that make an impact on their communities. Grants range from $30,000 to $350,000 with at least $5 million awarded annually to organizations throughout North America, including Puerto Rico and Canada.

In 2024, the company expects to award $6 million to 56 organizations throughout North America and the United Kingdom. Auburn’s EAGLES program was selected as one of the Southeast region’s five nominees from more than 2,600 total nominations. Restaurant owner/operators from Auburn and Maryland nominated the EAGLES program, citing the program’s life-changing impact on students with intellectual disabilities.

“We are honored to be a regional finalist for this award,” said Betty Patten, associate clinical professor and Jay and Susie Gogue Endowed Director of the EAGLES program. “Chick-fil-A has been a strong partner of our program and several of our EAGLES students are valued employees at local Chick-fil-A restaurants. This means so much to us.”

Voting begins on Sept. 3, exclusively on the Chick-fil-A app. Only one vote per account may be cast. Voting directions are as follows:

Sign in to the Chick-fil-A app and select “For You” at the bottom of the screen. Look for the True Inspiration Awards card and click the “Vote Now” button. Select the Southeast region. Find The EAGLES Program at Auburn University and cast your vote.