Coca-Cola Scholarship 2025-2026
Your Gateway to $20,000 & National Recognition
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program represents one of the most prestigious scholarship for high school seniors in the United States. This highly competitive program awards $20,000 renewable scholarships to just 150 exceptional students nationwide each year.
What sets this scholarship apart isn't just the substantial financial reward – it's the recognition of leadership potential and commitment to community service that makes recipients part of an elite network of future changemakers.
With the Coca-Cola Scholarship deadline set for September 30, 2025 for the 2026 program, now is the perfect time to understand what makes this opportunity so special and how you can position yourself as a competitive candidate.
Overview of Coca-Cola Scholarship
History & Mission
Established in 1986 by The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation was created to celebrate and support outstanding high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic excellence. The foundation's mission goes beyond academic achievement – it seeks to identify students who will make meaningful contributions to their communities and society as a whole.
Program Impact Since 1986:
- Over 6,600 Coca-Cola Scholars have received awards
- More than $78 million in scholarships distributed
- Alumni network spanning diverse careers and industries
- Continued leadership development and networking opportunities
What Makes It Unique
Unlike traditional merit scholarships that focus primarily on GPA and test scores, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program takes a holistic approach to identifying future leaders. The selection process emphasizes:
- Leadership in Action: Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others
- Service Impact: Meaningful contributions to community and society
- Academic Excellence: Strong academic performance as a foundation
- Personal Character: Integrity, passion, and commitment to making a difference
Eligibility Requirements
- Current high school senior in the United States (including D.C. and U.S. territories)
- U.S. citizenship status: Must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee
- Minimum 3.00 GPA on a 4.0 unweighted scale (or equivalent)
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
- NOT eligible: Children or grandchildren of employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, or subsidiaries
Important Note on Family Employment
The family employment restriction is comprehensive and includes any family member working for Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, or any of their subsidiaries worldwide. This applies to both current and former employees in some cases.
Scholarship Benefits
Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
Important Dates & Deadlines
2025-2026 Application Timeline
Critical Deadline Information
The application must be submitted by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on September 30, 2025. Late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. Plan to submit at least 24 hours before the deadline to avoid technical issues.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application
Don't just list positions held – demonstrate how you made a difference. Include specific examples of initiatives you led, problems you solved, and positive changes you created in your school or community.
Use numbers to show your impact: "Organized food drive that collected 500+ cans" is more compelling than "helped with food drive." Demonstrate sustained commitment over time.
The selection committee values authenticity over perfection. Share genuine experiences and passions rather than what you think they want to hear. Your unique perspective is your strength.
While diverse experiences are valuable, showing deep commitment to causes you care about demonstrates maturity and staying power – qualities of future leaders.