Secure a Coca-Cola Scholarship for 2024 and become one of the Coca-Cola Scholars. These scholarships promote leadership, and some are for first-generation college students—awards up to $20,000.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most valued and respected corporate-sponsored scholarships in the United States.
Created in 1986 as a joint effort of Coca-Cola Bottlers and The Coca-Cola Company to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their flagship brand, the program establishes a lasting legacy for the education of future leaders through college scholarships.
More than 4,250 scholarship recipients, called Coca-Cola Scholars, have gained more than $38 million in college scholarship awards since the program was established.
Coca Cola Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers scholarships to high school seniors who are dedicated to leadership, service, and academic excellence.
To be eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship, students must meet the following requirements:
- Current high school (or home-schooled) seniors attending school in the United States
- U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees who will be attending a college or university in the United States
- Anticipating completion of a high school diploma at the time of application.
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
- Carry a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school.
- Have a history of leadership and community service.
- Applicants may not be children or grandchildren of employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, company divisions, or subsidiaries.
In addition to these requirements, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds and considers factors such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, and geography in the selection process.
How to Apply for Coca Cola Scholarship
To apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship, follow these steps:
- Check the eligibility requirements: Before starting the application process, make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria for the scholarship.
- Gather the required documents: You will need to provide your academic records, community involvement and leadership history, and a list of your extracurricular activities. You will also need to provide a transcript, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
- Visit the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website: The application is available online through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website.
- Create an Account: Create a login and password to start your application. Be sure to use an email address that you check regularly.
- Complete the Application: Follow the instructions and complete all the required sections of the application. The application includes several essay questions that require thoughtful responses. Take your time and provide thoughtful, well-written answers.
- Submit the Application: Once you have completed all the sections of the application, review it carefully to make sure everything is complete and accurate. Then, submit the application before the deadline.
- Follow-up: After submitting your application, check your email regularly for any updates or requests for additional information. If you are selected as a semifinalist, you will be asked to participate in an interview.
The application deadline for the Coca-Cola Scholarship typically falls in October each year, so be sure to check the website for the specific deadline and any updates.