Discover the Coca-Cola Scholars Program, offering $20,000 scholarships to U.S. high school seniors based on leadership, service, and academic excellence. Learn eligibility criteria and apply for the 2025 academic year starting August 2024.
Overview
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is administered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, which supports exceptional college-bound high school seniors across the United States.
It aims to recognize and reward students who demonstrate leadership, service, and academic excellence.
Since its inception, the program has awarded over $84 million in scholarships to more than 6,900 Coca-Cola Scholars.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program for the 2025 academic year, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Enrollment: Must be a high school senior or home-schooled student in the United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select Department of Defense (DoD) schools. Students attending American or expat schools abroad are not eligible.
- Citizenship: Must be one of the following:
- U.S. Citizens
- U.S. Nationals
- U.S. Permanent Residents
- Refugees
- Asylees
- Cuban-Haitian Entrants
- Humanitarian Parolees, as defined by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility.
- Graduation: Expecting to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year (2024-2025).
- Post-Secondary Plans: Planning to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
- Academic Performance: Must have a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework.
Ineligible Applicants
The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
- Children or grandchildren of current employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, or its subsidiaries.
- Children or grandchildren of former employees who are currently receiving retirement benefits from Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, or its subsidiaries.
- International students, except those attending Department of Defense (DoD) schools.
- High school graduates or temporary residents.
Program Benefits
- Scholarship Amount: Each year, 150 students receive a $20,000 scholarship to support their post-secondary education.
- Recognition: Beyond financial support, the program acknowledges students who have made significant contributions to their schools and communities.
Application Process
- Application Period: Opens in early August 2024.
- Documents Needed: Typically includes personal information, academic transcripts, a list of extracurricular activities and honors, details of community service involvement, and essays or personal statements.
- Submission: Applications must be submitted through the official Coca-Cola Scholars Program website at Coca-Cola Scholars Program Application.
Important Notes:
- Selection Process: The Coca-Cola Scholars are selected based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and community service involvement.
- Notification: Finalists are typically notified in the early months of the year following the application period.
- Award Ceremony: Scholars are invited to an annual Scholars Weekend, where they are recognized for their achievements.
This program not only provides financial support but also celebrates and encourages young leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
If you meet the eligibility criteria and are passionate about leadership and service, this scholarship could be a significant opportunity for your educational journey.