The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a prestigious merit-based scholarship recognizing outstanding high school seniors in the U.S. who exhibit academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Each year, the program awards 150 students a $20,000 scholarship to support their undergraduate education. Scholars become part of an exclusive community of over 6,600 alumni who receive ongoing support, mentorship, and networking opportunities throughout their careers.
Besides financial aid, recipients gain access to leadership development programs, community service projects, and events like the Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and Leadership Summit. While academic excellence is a prerequisite, the program places significant emphasis on leadership, social impact, and extracurricular involvement. The foundation encourages its scholars to “make a difference,” often supporting their community projects through additional grants and resources.
Application Deadline: Typically mid-October. For 2024, the specific deadline may vary, so applicants should check the official website regularly for updates.
Institutions:
The scholarship is not tied to a specific institution; recipients can apply the award to any accredited U.S. institution of their choice.
Study Areas:
All undergraduate fields of study are eligible since the scholarship supports general academic excellence rather than specific disciplines.
Scholarship Benefits:
- Amount: $20,000 for each selected scholar.
- Additional perks: Access to a network of Coca-Cola Scholar alumni, professional development opportunities, and community service projects.
Scholarship Eligibilities:
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens, U.S. Nationals, or permanent residents.
- Education: Must be high school seniors at the time of application and expected to graduate during the current academic year.
- GPA Requirement: Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Ineligibility: Children or grandchildren of Coca-Cola Company employees or affiliates cannot apply.
- Community Involvement: Preference is given to students who show leadership potential and have made positive contributions to their communities through volunteer work and extracurricular activities
Required Documents:
- Online Application: Includes academic details, extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, and essays.
- Academic Transcripts: High school records that verify GPA requirements.
- Recommendation Letters: Endorsements from teachers or community leaders, especially those familiar with the applicant’s leadership and social contributions (requested in later rounds).
- Essays: Short personal statements detailing the applicant’s leadership experiences and future goals.
Application Process:
- Online Application: Applicants must complete an online form available on the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website.
- Semifinalist Round: Selected candidates are notified to submit additional materials, such as recommendation letters and detailed academic information.
- Regional Finalist Interviews: About 250 semifinalists participate in virtual interviews to determine the final scholarship recipients.
- Selection of Scholars: From the pool of finalists, 150 students are chosen to receive the $20,000 award based on their overall performance in academics, community involvement, and leadership ability
Tips for Successful Application:
- Demonstrate strong leadership in extracurricular activities.
- Highlight community service and social impact projects.
- Write genuine and well-crafted personal statements.
- Secure recommendation letters from teachers or mentors who know you well.
- Align your application with Coca-Cola’s core values of leadership and service.
Official Link for More Details and Application:
Visit the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for official updates and application details.