Study in USA | Coca Cola Scholarship Program 2027
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has opened applications for its 2027 scholarship program, offering high school students a prestigious opportunity to receive recognition and financial support. This achievement-based award provides $20,000 to selected candidates who demonstrate exceptional capacity to lead and serve their communities.
Why This Scholarship Matters
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports over 1,400 exceptional college students annually, distributing $3.55 million through three nationally recognised programs. The Scholars Program specifically targets students in their final year of high school, celebrating those who make significant impacts on their schools and communities.
This scholarship recognises leadership and service rather than focusing solely on academic achievement. Consequently, students with strong community involvement and leadership experience receive strong consideration regardless of their GPA or test scores.
What the Scholarship Covers
Selected scholars receive comprehensive support:
- $20,000 award for study and living costs
- Access to the Coca-Cola Scholars alumni network
- Recognition for leadership and service achievements
- Support for pursuing degrees at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria for consideration:
- Be currently enrolled high school or homeschooled students attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools
- Graduate high school during the 2026-2027 academic year
- Hold U.S. citizenship, U.S. nationality, permanent residency, refugee, asylee, Cuban-Haitian entrant, or humanitarian parolee status
- Expect to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year
- Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
- Verify a minimum overall B/3.0 GPA in high school coursework
Certain groups cannot apply, including children or grandchildren of current or former Coca-Cola employees receiving retirement benefits, international students (except DoD schools), high school graduates, and temporary residents.
Application Process
The application unfolds in three distinct phases:
- Phase 1: Available August 3 – September 30 each year. This initial application requires no essays, transcripts, or recommendations. Students simply complete basic eligibility information.
- Phase 2: Approximately 1% of applicants advance as Semifinalists and receive invitations to complete Phase 2 applications due in November. This phase requires essays, transcripts, and recommendations.
- Regional Finals: From approximately 1,200 Semifinalists, 250 advance as Regional Finalists and participate in final interviews with Coke Scholar alumni and staff in late January or early February.
- Final Selection: Following interviews, 150 Regional Finalists receive invitations to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta during April, where they confirm their selection as Coca-Cola Scholars.
How to Apply
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Critical Deadlines
- Phase 1 application opens: August 3, 2026
- Phase 1 application closes: September 30, 2026
- Phase 2 applications due: November 2026
- Regional Finalist interviews: Late January or early February 2027
- Coke Scholars Weekend: April 2027
Conclusion
This $20,000 scholarship offers exceptional value for high school seniors demonstrating leadership and service commitment. The award recognises students’ contributions to their communities while providing meaningful financial support for higher education.
For ambitious students with strong leadership records, this scholarship represents a transformative opportunity to pursue college education with reduced financial burden. The tiered application process ensures fair consideration while identifying outstanding candidates. Students should apply during Phase 1 to advance through the selection process.
