Auburn University’s College of Education EAGLES program has helped enrich the paths of many students at Auburn. This year, the annual Chick-fil-A Inspiration Awards helped aid the program’s effort with a $75,000 grant.
The university's Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success program, known as the EAGLES program, was introduced in 2018 to provide students with intellectual disabilities a more comprehensive and rewarding Auburn experience through a variety of academic and integrated work experiences. EAGLES focuses on improving students' independent living and employment outcomes through a four-semester basic or eight-semester advanced program.
In Jan. of 2025, Chick-fil-A, Inc. named EAGLES as one of the 56 True Inspiration Awards grant recipients. Dwight and Dana Sones and Bob McFadden, both owners and operators of their own Chick-fil-A restaurants, nominated the program. The Sones’ own and manage the Chick-fil-A Frederick North in Frederick, Maryland, and McFadden owns and operates Chick-fil-A Auburn Magnolia Avenue, Alabama. The Sones’ were involved with the program as their daughter, Karina, recently graduated from the EAGLES program.
To honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A founder Samuel Truett Cathy, the True Inspiration Awards were established in 2015. Alongside his business ventures, Cathy was a committed philanthropist and was noted for making a charitable difference in the lives of youth.
After passing in 2014, Chick-fil-A would honor his life and impact with the Inspiration Awards, an annual grant program for non-profit organizations. In the decade since the awards were introduced, over 350 grants have been distributed across the world. This year, Chick-fil-A is giving a collective $6 million to the nominees.
“Chick-fil-A is honored to invest in the impactful work of these incredible organizations that are creating meaningful change in their local communities,” said Brent Fielder, Vice President of Global Impact for Chick-fil-A, Inc. during the announcement of the nominees. “From fighting hunger and providing educational opportunities to fostering environmental stewardship, these nonprofits are shining examples of what it means to care for others and have a positive influence on the world. We are inspired by their work and grateful to partner with them on this journey.”
On Wednesday, Jan. 15th, Chick-fil-A presented representatives of the College of Education and EAGLES program with the grant. Dean of the College of Education and Wayne T. Smith, distinguished Professor Jeffrey Fairbrother was in attendance. He spoke on the significance of Chick-fil-A's recognition of the program.
“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,” Fairbrother 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.”
As the Auburn EAGLES program continues to grow, this donation will support the EAGLES student's continued success. Fall 2024’s EAGLES freshman cohort 7 was the largest class of the program to date, and the program will soon move into the newly-built College of Education building, which is expected to have construction completed by this fall. With this, Auburn’s EAGLES program is set to continue to inspire and give new opportunities for success for many years to come.
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