The Coca-Cola Scholarship Program represents one of America’s most prestigious achievement-based scholarships for high school seniors. Each year, 150 students receive $20,000 to pursue their college dreams, making this opportunity both highly competitive and gratifying for those selected.
If you’re planning to graduate high school during the 2025-2026 academic year, understanding the application process, eligibility requirements, and selection criteria can significantly improve your chances of becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar.
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Understanding the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program
Since 1989, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has invested over $87 million in educational support for more than 7,000 students. The program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional leadership capacity, commitment to community service, and academic achievement.
Unlike many scholarships, this isn’t a need-based program. The foundation looks for students who show potential to make meaningful impacts in their communities and beyond, regardless of family income.
What Makes Coca-Cola Scholarship Special
Financial Award: Each of the 150 scholars receives $20,000 for college expenses, including tuition, books, housing, and other educational costs.
Lifetime Network: Winners join a community of accomplished alumni who support each other through college and beyond. This network includes entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, educators, and professionals across every field imaginable.
Recognition: Being named a Coca-Cola Scholar carries significant prestige that can enhance college applications, resume credentials, and future opportunities.
Coca Cola Scholarship Eligibility Requirements for 2026-2027
Before starting your application, verify that you meet all eligibility criteria:
Academic Status
- Currently enrolled as a high school or homeschooled student in the United States.
- Planning to graduate during the 2025-2026 academic year
- Maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA in high school coursework
- Intending to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. college or university
Citizenship Requirements
- U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or U.S. Permanent Resident
- Refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or humanitarian parolees also qualify
- International students attending American schools abroad are not eligible
- DACA recipients do not currently qualify under federal financial aid guidelines
Location Requirements
Students must attend school in one of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select Department of Defense schools. If you’re an American citizen attending an international school, you won’t qualify for this particular scholarship.
Who Cannot Apply
The program excludes children and grandchildren of current or retired Coca-Cola Company employees, bottling company employees, or company owners. Students who have already graduated from high school or are taking a gap year also cannot apply.
Coca Cola Scholarship Application Timeline and Important Dates
Understanding the selection timeline helps you prepare for each phase:
| Phase | Timeline | What to Expect |
| Application Opens | Friday, August 1, 2025 | Online application becomes available |
| Application Deadline | Tuesday, September 30, 2025 | All Phase 1 applications must be submitted |
| Semifinalist Notification | Late October 2025 | Approximately 1,200 students (1% of applicants) advance |
| Phase 2 Deadline | November 2025 | Semifinalists submit essays, transcripts, and recommendations |
| Regional Finalist Announcement | January 2026 | 250 students selected for interviews |
| Final Interviews | Late January – Early February 2026 | Virtual or in-person interviews conducted |
| Scholar Selection | April 2026 | 150 winners announced and invited to Atlanta |
| Scholars Weekend | April 2026 | Required attendance in Atlanta to confirm selection |
The deadline is absolute—late applications are not accepted. Given that over 100,000 students typically apply, starting early gives you time to craft thoughtful responses.
What the Selection Committee Looks For
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation evaluates applicants on three primary dimensions:
Leadership Capacity
Leadership extends far beyond holding a title. The committee wants to see how you’ve influenced positive change, whether through formal positions or grassroots initiatives. Examples include:
- Starting a community service project that addressed a local need
- Taking the initiative to solve problems in your school or neighborhood
- Mobilizing peers around important causes
- Demonstrating resilience in overcoming personal challenges
Community Service and Impact
Quality matters more than quantity. Rather than listing hundreds of volunteer hours across disconnected activities, focus on sustained commitments where you made measurable differences. The committee looks for students who:
- Show genuine passion for helping others
- Create lasting impact rather than one-time contributions
- Understand the communities they serve
- Think critically about social issues and solutions
Academic Achievement
While a 3.0 GPA is the minimum requirement, competitive applicants typically have much stronger academic records. The foundation recognizes that achievement looks different in different contexts—students are evaluated based on the opportunities available to them.
Taking challenging courses when available, showing improvement over time, and demonstrating intellectual curiosity all strengthen your academic profile.
The Four-Phase Selection Process
Phase 1: Online Application
The initial application opens on Friday, August 1, 2025, and closes on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. This phase requires no essays, transcripts, or recommendation letters—making it accessible to apply early.
You’ll provide information about:
- Academic background and coursework
- Leadership positions and roles
- Community service activities
- Work experience
- Recognition and awards
Pro Tip: The application doesn’t automatically save your progress. Copy your responses into a separate document as you work to avoid losing information.
Phase 2: Semifinalist Round
By late October 2025, approximately 1,200 semifinalists will be notified via email. About 1% of all applicants reach this stage, so selection is highly competitive.
Semifinalists complete a more detailed application by November 2025 that includes:
Required Essays: Written responses that explore your leadership philosophy, community impact, personal challenges, and future goals. These essays are your opportunity to bring your application to life and show who you are beyond statistics.
Official Transcript: Your school counselor or registrar must submit your academic record directly through the application portal.
Recommendation Letter: One letter from someone who knows you well and can speak to your character, leadership, and impact. Choose someone who has observed you in action—a teacher, coach, mentor, or community organization leader.
Phase 3: Regional Finalists
In January 2026, 250 students will be selected as regional finalists from the semifinalist pool. These finalists participate in interviews conducted by Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and foundation staff during late January or early February 2026.
Interviews typically last 20-30 minutes and explore:
- Your motivations and values
- Specific examples of leadership and service
- How you handle challenges
- Your plans for college and beyond
- Questions about your application responses
Interviewers look for authenticity, thoughtfulness, and genuine passion rather than rehearsed answers.
Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars
In April 2026, 150 regional finalists receive the exciting news that they’ve been selected as Coca-Cola Scholars. These students are invited to a required Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, where they officially accept the scholarship, meet their fellow scholars, and begin their journey in the Coca-Cola Scholars community.
The weekend includes celebration events, team-building activities, and networking opportunities that mark the beginning of lifelong connections.
Understanding the Competition
Let’s look at the numbers to understand the competitive landscape:
| Stage | Number of Students | Percentage |
| Total Applicants | ~100,000+ | 100% |
| Semifinalists | ~1,200 | ~1% |
| Regional Finalists | 250 | ~0.25% |
| Coca-Cola Scholars | 150 | ~0.15% |
With such low acceptance rates, you might wonder if applying is worth the effort. Consider this: every current Coca-Cola Scholar was once in your position, wondering if they had a chance. The application process itself—reflecting on your impact, articulating your values, seeking meaningful recommendations—provides valuable preparation for college applications and future opportunities.
How to Strengthen Your Application
Start Early and Be Thorough
Opening the application on Friday, August 1, 2025, gives you two full months before the Tuesday, September 30, 2025, deadline. Use this time wisely:
- Gather all necessary information before you begin
- Draft responses in a separate document
- Ask trusted advisors to review your work
- Revise and refine your responses
- Submit at least a few days before the deadline to avoid technical issues
Showcase Authentic Leadership
Don’t try to be who you think the committee wants you to be. Instead, reflect honestly on moments when you:
- Recognized a problem and took action
- Brought people together for a common cause
- Learned from failure and persisted
- Put others’ needs ahead of your own
- Made a difference in someone’s life
Specific examples with concrete details are far more compelling than general statements about “being a leader.”
Demonstrate Sustained Commitment
Rather than trying to list every activity you’ve ever participated in, focus on meaningful involvements where you’ve shown dedication over time. The committee values depth over breadth.
For instance, volunteering at the same food bank every week for three years shows more commitment than attending five different one-time service events.
Quantify Your Impact When Possible
Numbers help illustrate the scope of your contributions:
- “Raised $5,000 for local homeless shelter.”
- “Tutored 15 elementary students in reading for two years.”
- “Organized three community clean-up events with 100+ participants”
- “Mentored 8 freshmen through their transition to high school”
Request Thoughtful Recommendations
If you become a semifinalist, you’ll need a strong recommendation letter. Choose your recommender carefully:
Good choices include:
- Teachers who know you well and have seen your growth
- Advisors of clubs or organizations where you’re actively involved
- Supervisors from meaningful work or volunteer positions
- Mentors who have guided your development
Avoid:
- Family members or friends
- People who know you only superficially
- Individuals who won’t provide specific examples
Give your recommender plenty of time and context. Share your resume, explain why you’re applying, and highlight specific experiences they might reference.
Common Questions About the Coca-Cola Scholarship
Does Coca-Cola scholarship require SAT or ACT scores?
No. The application doesn’t ask for standardized test scores; instead, it focuses on your grades, coursework, leadership, and service.
How many volunteer hours do I need?
There’s no minimum requirement. Quality and impact matter more than accumulating hours. Some winners have extensive volunteer records, while others have focused intensely on fewer commitments.
Can I apply if I’m homeschooled?
Yes. Homeschool students are eligible and should follow the application instructions for entering coursework and academic information. List your parent or primary educator as your counselor.
What if my school uses a different grading scale?
The application accommodates various grading systems. Enter your grades as they appear on your transcript, and your school’s profile will provide context during evaluation.
Is this scholarship renewable?
No, the $20,000 award is a one-time scholarship. However, the amount is substantial enough to offset college costs significantly, and many scholars receive additional scholarships and financial aid from their colleges.
Do I need financial need to qualify?
No. Unlike some scholarships, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is merit-based rather than need-based. Your family’s income doesn’t impact selection decisions.
When will I know if I’m a semifinalist?
All applicants receive notification of their status by late October 2025, approximately one month after the application deadline.
What happens if I win?
Winners receive $20,000 for college expenses, join the Coca-Cola Scholars alumni network, attend the Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, and gain access to additional development opportunities throughout college.
What the Scholarship Covers
The $20,000 award can be applied toward any qualified educational expenses at your chosen accredited institution:
Tuition and Fees: The most common use is helping offset the rising cost of college education
Room and Board: Whether you live on or off campus, scholarship funds can cover housing and meal expenses
Books and Supplies: Textbooks, lab materials, art supplies, and other required course materials
Technology: Computers, software, and equipment needed for your academic program
Study Abroad: Educational experiences beyond your home campus
Transportation: Getting to and from school, or traveling for academic purposes
The foundation sends the award directly to your college or university, which typically disburses it in accordance with your school’s financial aid policies—often split across semesters or quarters.
Beyond the Money: The Scholars Network
While $20,000 provides significant financial support, many scholars say the network and community are equally valuable. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation connects you with:
Mentorship Opportunities: Access to successful professionals who started where you are
Career Guidance: Alumni working in virtually every industry who can provide advice and connections
Service Projects: Collaborative initiatives that allow scholars to continue making an impact together
Regional Events: Opportunities to connect with scholars in your area throughout the year
National Gatherings: Annual events that bring the scholar community together
This network continues long after college graduation, supporting scholars as they launch careers, start families, and become leaders in their fields.
Alternatives If You Don’t Win
Given the competitive nature of this scholarship, having backup options is wise. Consider these similar opportunities:
Other Coca-Cola Foundation Programs
Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team: Awards 200 stipends ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 to students at two-year colleges, administered through Phi Theta Kappa.
Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise: Provides $1,000 scholarships to 200 Phi Theta Kappa members enrolled at community colleges.
Similar Achievement-Based Scholarships
Dell Scholars Program: Awards $20,000 plus technology and support services to students who have overcome significant obstacles
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation: Provides up to $55,000 per year to high-achieving students with financial need.
Horatio Alger Scholarship: Awards $25,000 to students who have overcome adversity and demonstrated resilience
Gates Scholarship: Full-cost-of-attendance awards for outstanding minority students with significant financial need
Elks Most Valuable Student: Offers awards ranging from $4,000 to $50,000 based on leadership and scholarship
Finding More Opportunities
Don’t limit yourself to one scholarship application. Students often apply to 10-20 different scholarships during senior year. Free resources for finding opportunities include:
- Your school’s guidance counseling office
- College Board BigFuture Scholarship platform
- Fastweb scholarship database
- Going Merry (allows bulk applications to multiple scholarships)
- Scholly app (created by Coca-Cola Scholar Christopher Gray)
Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2026-2027 offers an extraordinary opportunity for high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership and made meaningful contributions to their communities. While the competition is intense, your unique experiences and perspectives have value worth sharing.
To prepare for the application opening on Friday, August 1, 2025:
- Review the eligibility requirements to confirm you qualify
- Begin documenting your leadership roles, service activities, and achievements
- Reflect on specific examples that demonstrate your impact
- Mark Tuesday, September 30, 2025, on your calendar as the application deadline
- Identify potential recommenders in case you become a semifinalist
- Explore other scholarship opportunities as backup options
Remember that the application process requires no essays, transcripts, or recommendations in Phase 1—making it relatively quick to apply. Given the potential reward and the valuable self-reflection the process provides, applying is worthwhile even if you’re unsure about your chances.
Whether you become one of the 150 Coca-Cola Scholars or not, the act of thoughtfully considering your leadership journey, clarifying your values, and articulating your impact will serve you well throughout college applications and beyond.
Visit the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website when applications open to begin your journey. Good luck!