Businesses That Reward Students For Good Grades Current Programs And Freebies

Introduction

Many businesses across the United States recognize the importance of academic achievement and have established programs to reward students for good grades. These incentives range from free food and treats to monetary rewards, providing both motivation for students and opportunities for family celebrations. The following overview details various programs offered by restaurant chains, retailers, financial institutions, and local businesses that acknowledge student success with report cards.

Restaurant Chain Rewards

Several national restaurant chains have implemented programs to reward students for academic excellence. These programs typically require students to present their report cards with good grades to receive the designated reward.

Fast Food Chains

Krispy Kreme offers free donuts to students who achieve good grades. Some locations reward students with a straight A report card by providing up to six free donuts with no purchase necessary. Participation may vary by location, so it's advisable to check with local Krispy Kreme stores to confirm their involvement in this program.

Chick-fil-A provides free chicken nuggets as a reward for good grades. Many independently owned Chick-fil-A locations offer a 5-pack of chicken nuggets when students bring in a report card with As and Bs. Given that Chick-fil-A restaurants are independently owned, participation in this reward program may differ by location.

McDonald's recognizes good report cards by offering free meals to students. Some locations provide a free Happy Meal for students in kindergarten through fifth grade or a free Value Meal for students in sixth through twelfth grade when they present a straight A report card. Interested families should contact their local McDonald's to determine if they offer this promotion.

Applebee's participates in the "A is for Applebee's" program, which offers a free kids' meal for students 12 and under who excel in academics or nonacademic areas. Students can obtain free meal vouchers from their teachers or libraries for good report cards or good behavior. It's important to note that there's a limited number of these rewards offered each school year, so contacting the local Applebee's to confirm participation and availability is recommended.

Other Food Establishments

Pizza Hut supports reading and academic achievement through its BOOK IT! program, which rewards students' reading accomplishments in kindergarten through sixth grade with free personal pan pizza, praise, and recognition. Students can continue earning free pizza as long as they maintain their reading goals.

Cold Stone Creamery at some locations allows students to trade in their straight A report card for a free ice cream. This reward is typically available for students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Participation may be limited at certain locations, so verifying with local Cold Creamery stores is advisable.

Retail and Entertainment Rewards

Beyond food establishments, various retail and entertainment businesses offer incentives for students who achieve good grades.

Chuck E. Cheese recognizes academic excellence by providing extra Play Points to students with straight A report cards. The company offers ten free Play Points when students fill out the Super Student Certificate and bring it to their local restaurant. Chuck E. Cheese also offers rewards for graduation, sports participation, losing a tooth, and being a good patient.

Graham Cracker Comics, with locations in Lakeview and the Loop, rewards students with discounts on back-issues of comics. Students receive $2 off for every A and $1 off for every B, up to eight grades. Additionally, each A earns two tokens and each B earns one, with a maximum of 12 tokens total.

Chicago Allstars, a sports memorabilia store in Jefferson Park, rewards children with a pack of trading cards for good academic performance. The co-owner explains that this small incentive encourages kids to work hard and represents a recognition of achievement that he wishes had been available during his own school years.

Financial Institution Rewards

Several banks and credit unions have established programs to reward students for good grades, often encouraging savings and financial responsibility alongside academic achievement.

First Atlantic Federal Credit Union offers a Report Card Rewards program for youth members in grades K-12. Participants can earn $3 for every A or 90 grade or higher, with a maximum reward of $15 per school year. To qualify, students must maintain a minimum balance of $50 in a Youth Savings Account. Rewards are provided for grades from core academic courses only: English, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and Foreign Language. Report cards are accepted for the most recent school year only, and students can submit them by visiting a branch with a copy or mailing it to the credit union.

Some banks offer more straightforward cash rewards for good grades, providing $1 for each A and $0.50 for each B. These programs vary by institution and may have specific requirements regarding account types or minimum balances.

Community-Based Reward Programs

Beyond national chains, local businesses and community organizations have established programs to recognize academic achievement.

JAX operates a "Goods for Grades" program where students from first grade through senior year of high school can submit their mid-year and final report cards to earn vouchers. Students can earn up to $48 per year and spend the vouchers in-store or save them for larger purchases. The program, which has been part of the company's values since its founding in 1955, reflects the educational background of its founders, Marvin and Lola Quinlan, who worked as teachers before starting the business.

Local bodegas and small businesses have also implemented report card incentives. For example, one bodega owner in New York began offering free items to students with good grades in 2023 after being inspired to help a neighborhood child improve his academic performance. The program proved successful, not only helping the target student but also attracting children from as far as Pennsylvania who came to show their report cards.

Special Considerations for Participation

When participating in grade reward programs, several factors should be considered:

1. Location Participation: Many programs, especially those offered by chain establishments, may not be available at all locations due to independent ownership or regional differences. It's advisable to contact local establishments directly to confirm participation.

2. Grade Requirements: Programs may have different criteria regarding what constitutes "good grades," such as requiring straight A's, As and Bs, or specific percentage scores. Some programs recognize achievements in core academic subjects only.

3. Age Limits: Certain rewards may have age restrictions, such as being limited to students under 12 or specific grade ranges.

4. Documentation Requirements: Most programs require students to present an actual report card, though some may accept alternative verification from teachers or schools.

5. Homeschooling and Alternative Education: Students in homeschool or Montessori settings may need to contact local businesses directly to inquire whether academic achievements from these school settings are recognized for reward programs.

6. Seasonal Availability: Some programs may have limited availability during certain times of the year or while supplies last.

Historical Context

The practice of rewarding good grades with incentives has evolved over time. In Chicago, for instance, a pilot program that paid kids for doing well in school was introduced in 2008, sparking debate about the merits of cash-for-class programs. While this program is more recent than the 1990s, it reflects the ongoing conversation about effective methods of motivating academic achievement.

The concept of rewarding academic success extends beyond formal programs, with many parents and communities creating their own incentive systems to celebrate educational milestones.

Conclusion

Businesses across various sectors offer numerous incentives to reward students for good grades, ranging from food and treats to monetary rewards and discounts. These programs provide both motivation for students and opportunities for families to celebrate academic achievements. While participation requirements and availability vary by location and establishment, they represent a widespread recognition of the importance of educational success.

For families interested in participating in these programs, contacting local businesses directly is recommended to confirm eligibility requirements and availability. Additionally, students in non-traditional educational settings may need to inquire specifically about recognition of their achievements.

Sources

1. The Krazy Coupon Lady - Kids Rewards Programs
2. TODAY.com - Bodega Owner Free Food for Good Grades
3. JAX Goods for Grades Program
4. First Atlantic Federal Credit Union Report Card Rewards
5. Chicago Parent - Chicago Area Businesses Reward Good Grades