For millions of students, the search for financial aid is a maze of GPA requirements, standardized test scores, and lengthy academic essays. The Taco Bell Scholarship, officially known as the Live Más Scholarship, is different.
The Taco Bell Foundation isn’t looking for the student with the highest grades or the best athletic record.
They are looking for the “cultural rebels”, the dreamers and doers who have a burning passion and a plan to use it to change the world.
Scholarship Summary
The Live Más Scholarship is designed to break down barriers to education. It is not based on academic merit or athletic ability. Instead, it rewards passion and the impulse to create positive change.
- Award Amounts: Scholarships range from $5,000 to $25,000.
- Total Funding (2026): Approximately $14.5 million will be awarded.
- Scope: Open to the general public (Section A) and Taco Bell restaurant employees (Section B).
- Renewal: Previous winners can apply for renewal up to three times.
Eligibility and Selection Process
Unlike traditional awards, the Taco Bell Scholarship has very specific—yet accessible—eligibility requirements.
| Criteria | Requirement Details |
| Age | Must be between 16 and 26 years old as of the application deadline. |
| Residency | Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or D.C. |
| Education Status | Must be enrolled (or on track to enroll) in an accredited post-secondary educational program (college, university, vocational, trade, or technical school). |
| Academic Metrics | None. No GPA, SAT, or ACT scores are required. |
| Selection Factors | 1. Passion 2. Social Impact 3. Personal Presentation/Authenticity 4. Educational Goals 5. Financial Need (Considered for new applicants) |
2026 Application Timeline
Missing a deadline is the easiest way to lose out on funding. Be sure to mark these dates on your calendar.
| Event | Date |
| Application Opens | October 14, 2025 |
| Application Deadline | January 6, 2026 (5:00 PM PST) |
| Selection Period | January – April 2026 |
| Winners Announced | Late April 2026 |
Scholarship Coverage
If you are selected as a Live Más Scholar, the funds can be used to cover “qualified education expenses.” This is generally broader than just tuition.
Funds can be applied toward:
- Tuition and required fees.
- Required books and course materials.
- Supplies specifically required for your coursework.
Note: Room and board are typically not considered qualified educational expenses for this specific scholarship.
How to Apply: Video vs. Written Response
For the 2026 cycle, the Taco Bell Foundation has introduced a major change to make the application more accessible. You now have two ways to tell your story.
Option 1: The Video (Traditional)
Submit a video between 30 seconds and 2 minutes in length.
- Style: It does not need to be a cinematic masterpiece. You can film it on your phone.
- Format: Testimonial, short film, animation, or spoken word.
- Focus: Speak directly to the camera and be authentic.
Option 2: The Written Response (New for 2026)
If you are camera-shy or express yourself better through writing, you can now choose the written response option. This removes the barrier of video production for students who prefer the written word.
The Prompts
Regardless of the format you choose, your application must answer these core questions:
- What is your passion? (What gets you out of bed in the morning?)
- How are you pursuing it? (What steps are you taking currently?)
- How will you use this passion to make a positive impact? (How does your dream help your community or the world?)
- How do you plan to use your education to achieve these goals?
4 Tips for a Winning Application
The Live Más Scholarship is highly competitive. With thousands of applicants vying for the $14.5 million pot, you need to stand out.
Ditch the Script
If you choose the video option, do not read from a piece of paper. The judges want to see your personality. Authentic enthusiasm wins over high production value every time.
Be Specific About Impact
Don’t just say “I want to help people.” Say, “I want to use my degree in structural engineering to build flood-resistant housing in my hometown.” Specificity proves you have a vision.
Connect Education to Passion
Make sure you clearly explain why you need to go to school to achieve your dream. If your passion is baking, explain how a business degree will help you scale your bakery to feed the homeless.
Focus on the “Live Más” Spirit
Taco Bell defines this as “embracing an unconventional path.” If your journey hasn’t been a straight line, highlight that. They are looking for resilience and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to work at Taco Bell to apply?
No. There are two separate applicant pools: one for Taco Bell employees and one for the general public. Both are eligible for significant funding.
Is the scholarship renewable?
Yes. Previous Live Más Scholars can apply to renew their award up to three times, provided they continue to meet eligibility requirements.
Does the video quality matter?
No. The Foundation explicitly states they are looking for content and character, not film editing skills. A high-quality story shot on a smartphone is better than a boring story shot on a cinema camera.
Can I submit both a video and a written response?
No. You must choose one format to tell your story.
Where do I submit my application?
You must submit your application through the official portal found at www.tacobellfoundation.org.
Emily Carter is an academic writer with 7+ years of experience in education research, specializing in scholarships, admissions, and student calculators. She creates clear, reliable and helpful content to support students in making informed academic decisions.
