For high school seniors with a passion for leadership and community service, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious and generous scholarships available.
Each year, it awards $20,000 to 150 exceptional students, recognizing their potential to create positive change. With over 100,000 applications annually, the competition is intense.
What is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a highly competitive, achievement-based scholarship for graduating high school seniors.
Since its creation in 1986, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has invested more than $84 million in the education of over 6,900 students.
Beyond the significant financial award, becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar means joining a powerful network of alumni who are leaders in business, public service, education, and the arts.
The foundation supports Scholars throughout their lives with lifelong learning opportunities and a vibrant community of mission-driven changemakers.
This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s an investment in future leaders who are dedicated to “refreshing the world.”
Are You Eligible for the 2026 Program?
Before you begin the application process, it’s essential to confirm that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
The requirements are straightforward but strict.
You must be
- A current high school senior attending a school in the United States (or an accredited U.S. Department of Defense school). Homeschooled students are also eligible.
- A U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. permanent resident, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee.
- Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
- Anticipating graduation at the time of application.
- Holding a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 at the end of your junior year of high school.
You cannot be
- A child or grandchild of employees, officers, or owners of The Coca-Cola Company, its bottlers, or any related entities.
It’s important to note that this is a national program.
There are separate, smaller scholarships offered by regional Coca-Cola bottlers, like the Coke Florida Refreshing Minds Scholarship.
This guide focuses on the main national program administered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
What Makes a Coca-Cola Scholar?
The foundation looks for well-rounded students who excel in four key areas: academics, leadership, service, and character.
While a high GPA is required, the selection committee places significant emphasis on your impact outside the classroom.
Leadership
Coca-Cola Scholars are leaders. The application will ask for details about your leadership roles in your school, clubs, teams, and community.
The committee wants to see more than just a list of titles; they want to understand your impact.
Demonstrate Initiative
Did you start a new club, launch a community project, or lead a fundraiser?
Show Growth
How did you evolve as a leader? What challenges did you overcome, and what did you learn?
Quantify Your Impact
Whenever possible, use numbers to show the scale of your leadership.
For example, “Led a team of 15 volunteers to raise $5,000 for our local food bank” is more powerful than “Organized a fundraiser.”
Service
A commitment to serving others is at the heart of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
The selection committee looks for students who have a genuine desire to make a difference in their communities.
Long Term Commitment
They value sustained involvement over a long list of one-off volunteer events.
Passion Driven Service
Focus on activities that you are genuinely passionate about. Your authentic dedication will shine through in your application.
Meaningful Impact
Think about the “why” behind your service. How did your actions address a specific need or create positive change?
Academics
While the minimum GPA is 3.0, the program is highly competitive, and most successful applicants have much higher academic records.
The committee will review your grades, the rigor of your coursework (such as AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes), and your overall academic performance.
They are looking for students who challenge themselves and have a true love of learning.
The Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is multi-phased, designed to identify the most promising candidates from a massive pool of applicants. Here is the typical timeline:
| Phase | Timeline | What to Expect |
| Phase 1: Application | August 1 – October 2, 2025 | Submit the initial online application with your grades, school and community activities, and employment history. |
| Phase 2: Semifinalists | Mid-October 2025 | Around 1,200 Semifinalists are chosen. These students submit a more detailed application with essays and recommendations. |
| Phase 3: Regional Finalists | Late January 2026 | Approximately 250 Regional Finalists are selected to participate in a 20-minute online interview. |
| Phase 4: Scholars Weekend | February – April 2026 | The 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are announced and invited to Atlanta for Scholars Weekend, where they receive their $20,000 scholarship. |
Tips for a Standout Application
Start Early
The application requires detailed information about your activities since your freshman year. Don’t wait until the last minute to gather this information.
Be Specific and Authentic
Your application is your story. Use concrete examples and personal anecdotes to bring your experiences to life.
Let your personality and passion shine through.
Proofread Everything
Typos and grammatical errors can make your application seem rushed and unprofessional. Have a teacher, counselor, or parent review your materials before submitting them.
Highlight Your “Spike”
Many successful applicants have a “spike,” or a deep, focused passion in one or two areas.
Whether it’s coding, environmental activism, or music, showcasing your dedication can help you stand out.
Prepare for the Interview
If you become a Regional Finalist, practice your interview skills. Be ready to talk about your leadership experiences, service projects, and future goals.
The interview is your chance to connect with the judges on a personal level.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
It is extremely competitive. In a typical year, over 100,000 students apply for 150 scholarships, resulting in an acceptance rate of less than 0.2%.
Can I apply if I am an international student?
No, you must be a U.S. citizen or hold one of the other eligible residency statuses listed above.
What kind of expenses does the $20,000 scholarship cover?
The funds can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other educational expenses at an accredited U.S. college or university.
Prepare for Your Future
As you prepare your application for 2026, focus on telling your unique story.
Highlight the leadership roles you’ve taken, the service you’ve committed to, and the academic challenges you’ve embraced.
Show the selection committee that you are more than just a list of accomplishments, you are a future leader ready to refresh the world.
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.
