McDonald’s Future Ready Summit 2026 & Scholarship
Honored to Co-Organize with Future Reimagined Initiative
About the Summit
What Sets Us Apart
The McDonald’s Future Ready Summit 2026 & Scholarship is a community-centered college-readiness event designed for high school juniors and seniors, their families, educators, and community partners.
Throughout the afternoon, participants will hear from college admissions professionals, scholarship and financial-aid experts, education leaders, and current college students. The program will provide practical guidance on building a strong college application, understanding scholarships and financial aid, preparing academically and emotionally for college, and navigating the transition from high school to higher education.
Students and families will also have opportunities to ask questions, hear directly from people with firsthand experience, and connect with colleges and organizations that support college access and student success.
The Summit will also highlight the McDonald’s AAPI Scholarship, developed in partnership with APIA Scholars, and provide students and families with information about this educational opportunity.
Event Agenda
Saturday, October 17, 2026
1:00–1:10 p.m. — Welcome, housekeeping, and opening introductions
1:10–1:25 p.m. — McDonald’s welcome and community commitment
1:25–1:50 p.m. — Opening keynote: Preparing students for college and the future
1:50–2:30 p.m. — College Admissions Masterclass
2:30–3:00 p.m. — Scholarships, financial aid, and the new scholarship opportunity
3:00–3:25 p.m. — Refreshment break and College Resource Area
3:25–4:00 p.m. — Real College Stories: Student panel
4:00–4:50 p.m. — Student academic success, well-being, and the transition to college
4:50–5:00 p.m. — Closing remarks, calls to action, and next steps
What You’ll Learn
Learn how the college admissions process works, what admissions professionals consider when reviewing applications, and how students can prepare strong and authentic applications.
College Admissions
Learn about scholarships, financial aid, and other resources that can help students and families better understand and plan for the cost of college.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Hear directly from current college students and recent graduates about the transition from high school to college, academic life, campus involvement, challenges, and the resources that helped them succeed.
Real College Stories
Explore strategies for adjusting to college academics, building healthy routines, finding support, managing challenges, and making a successful transition to college life.
Academic Success & Well-Being
Who Should Attend
High school juniors and seniors beginning college planning or preparing to submit applications.
High School Students
Parents and family members; high school counselors and educators.
Families & Educators
College-access and scholarship organizations supporting students throughout the college journey.
College Access & Scholarship Organizations
Community and nonprofit partners. Students beginning college planning and those preparing to submit applications are welcome. Admission is free; advance registration is required.
Community & Nonprofit Partners
College Resource Area
The College Resource Area will bring together colleges, scholarship organizations, financial-aid resources, educational organizations, and community partners in one accessible space.
Students and families will have opportunities to speak directly with participating organizations, ask questions, learn about available programs and resources, and build connections that can support their college journey.
The College Resource Area will be open during attendee registration and the afternoon refreshment break.
The McDonald's APIA Scholarship
McDonald’s has a long-standing commitment to expanding educational opportunity for AAPI students.
Through its partnership with APIA Scholars, the McDonald’s AAPI Scholarship helps support students pursuing higher education and provides additional resources to help students move toward their academic and professional goals.
Since the scholarship partnership began in 2019, the program has grown to support more than 100 students.
During the Future Ready Summit, students and families will learn more about the scholarship, its purpose, and where to find information about upcoming application opportunities.
Date & Time
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Attendee Registration: 12:30 PM
Program: 1:00–5:00 PM
Location
Greencourt Innovation Center
12358 Parklawn Dr.
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Register for
the Summit
Join us for an afternoon of practical college guidance, real student experiences, scholarship and financial-aid resources, and conversations designed to help students and families feel more prepared for the college journey.
Space is limited. Please complete the registration form below to reserve your place.