Apply Now: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most esteemed and competitive merit-based scholarships in the United States. Funded by the Coca-Cola Company and managed by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, this program honors students not only for academic excellence but also for exceptional leadership and service. Each year, 150 high school seniors are selected to receive a $20,000 college scholarship, making this a life-changing opportunity for those who aim to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

📜 History and Mission

Established in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola, the Scholars Program reflects the company’s commitment to education, leadership, and social responsibility. Over the decades, the foundation has awarded more than $81 million in scholarships to over 6,750 Coca-Cola Scholars. The mission is simple: to support and empower students who demonstrate leadership, commitment to service, and academic achievement.

✅ Who Is Eligible?

To apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Be a current high school senior attending a U.S.-based school.
• Expect to graduate in the current academic year.
• Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale by the end of your junior year.
• Be a U.S. citizen, national, or permanent resident, or have refugee/asylee/humanitarian parolee status.

Note: Children or grandchildren of current Coca-Cola employees, officers, or owners are not eligible to apply.

🧾 What’s in the Application?

The application process is multi-phased and highly competitive, involving thousands of applicants each year. Here’s what to expect:

1. Phase 1: Online Application (Opens August 1)

• Complete a detailed form about academic performance, school activities, leadership roles, community service, and honors.
• No recommendation letters, transcripts, or essays are needed at this stage.

2. Semifinalist Round

• About 2,000 semifinalists are invited to submit additional information, including:
  • Essays
  • Short responses
  • Academic records
  • Recommendations

3. Regional Finalists & Interviews

• Around 250 students are selected for virtual interviews with a panel of former scholars and program leaders.

4. Final Selection

• From the regional finalist group, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected and awarded a $20,000 scholarship.

🏅 What Makes a Coca-Cola Scholar?

Academic success is important—but it’s not enough. The Coca-Cola Foundation looks for students who:

• Exhibit extraordinary leadership in school and community roles.
• Show a deep, ongoing commitment to service and social causes.
• Display vision, initiative, and the courage to lead change.
• Have a record of resilience, innovation, and drive.

Many Coca-Cola Scholars have gone on to become CEOs, nonprofit founders, scientists, doctors, artists, and elected officials.

🎁 Benefits Beyond the Money

💰 $20,000 Scholarship

This is one of the largest single scholarships awarded to high school seniors in the U.S.

🌎 Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend

All 150 Scholars are flown to Atlanta, GA to meet each other, participate in leadership development activities, network with alumni, and celebrate their achievement in a formal banquet.

🤝 Alumni Network

Scholars become lifelong members of a vibrant community of over 6,750 alumni, gaining access to mentorship, career opportunities, and reunions.

📅 Key Dates for the 2025–2026 Cycle

Milestone	Date
Application Opens	August 1, 2025
Application Deadline	September 30, 2025, 5 PM ET
Semifinalist Notification	November 2025
Scholar Selection	Spring 2026
Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend	April 2026

🔗 Where to Apply

To start your application, go to the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation application page:

👉 Apply Here

Also, review the official sample application so you know what details to prepare in advance:

📄 Sample Application PDF

For updates and reminders, follow the foundation’s blog:

📰 Be a Coca-Cola Scholar Blog

📌 Final Thoughts

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program isn’t just about awarding money—it’s about identifying and cultivating the next generation of change-makers, visionaries, and servant leaders. If you are passionate about making a difference and have demonstrated leadership and service in your life, this scholarship could be your launchpad.