SECTION 1 — WHAT IS THE COCA-COLA SCHOLARSHIP?

What Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

The Coca-Cola Scholarship is one of the largest and most respected private scholarships in the entire United States. It is funded by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — a non-profit organization supported by The Coca-Cola Company — and has been helping students achieve their dreams since 1989.

Every year, this scholarship gives 150 high school seniors a total of $20,000 each to use for college tuition and education expenses. But it is much more than just money — it is an invitation to join a lifelong community of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.

🥤 Coca-Cola Scholarship — Fast Facts at a Glance:

Founded: 1989 by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

Scholarship Amount: $20,000 per student

Number of Winners: 150 students selected every year

Total Given Since 1989: Over $81 million in scholarships to date

Total Scholars Selected: Over 6,500 students since the program began

Who Can Apply: US high school seniors planning to attend college

Application Opens: August 1st each year

Application Deadline: October 31st each year

Why Is This Scholarship So Special?

Most scholarships just give you money. The Coca-Cola Scholarship gives you money AND a community. When you become a Coca-Cola Scholar, you join a network of over 6,500 alumni — leaders who go on to change the world in business, medicine, law, arts, science, and public service.

Being a Coca-Cola Scholar is a title that universities, employers, and the world recognizes as a mark of exceptional leadership, service, and character.

SECTION 2 — ELIGIBILITY: WHO CAN APPLY?

Eligibility — Who Can Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

Before you spend time on your application, make sure you meet all the requirements below. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is very clear about who qualifies.

You MUST Meet ALL of These Requirements:

► Be a Current High School Senior: You must be in your senior year (Grade 12) of a US high school — public, private, charter, or home school.

► Be a US Citizen or Permanent Resident: You must be a US citizen, US national, or permanent resident alien. Non-immigrant visa holders (like F-1 students) are NOT eligible.

► Be Attending a US High School: Your school must be located in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, US Virgin Islands, or any other US territory.

► Have at Least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 Scale: You need a minimum GPA of 3.0. However, most selected scholars have a GPA of 3.9 or higher. A strong academic record is essential.

► Plan to Pursue a College Degree: You must be planning to pursue your first undergraduate degree at an accredited US college or university in the upcoming fall.

► Not Be a Dependent of a Coca-Cola Employee: Students whose parent or guardian works for The Coca-Cola Company, its subsidiaries, or its bottling partners are not eligible.

✔ YOU ARE ELIGIBLE IF...	✖ YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE IF...
You are a high school senior in the US	You have already graduated from high school
You are a US citizen or permanent resident	You are on a student (F-1) or work visa
Your GPA is 3.0 or higher	Your GPA is below 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
You plan to attend a US college full-time	You plan to study at a foreign university
You have strong leadership and service record	A parent or guardian works for Coca-Cola Co.
You are applying for your first degree	You already hold an undergraduate degree

🏠 Good News for Home-Schooled Students:

Home-schooled students ARE eligible to apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship!

Your application will be reviewed exactly the same way as any other student.

Make sure you can provide an official transcript or documentation of your coursework

and academic performance when requested during the selection process.

SECTION 3 — WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR? SELECTION CRITERIA

What Does the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Look For?

This scholarship is NOT just about grades. In fact, many students with perfect GPAs do NOT get selected. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is looking for a very specific type of student. Here is exactly what they want to see:

Selection Factor	Importance	What This Means for You
Leadership	Very High	You have led teams, clubs, events, or community projects
Service to Community	Very High	You volunteer and genuinely give back to others
Character and Values	High	You show integrity, empathy, and strong personal values
Academic Achievement	High	Strong GPA and challenging coursework (AP, IB, Honors)
Personal Essays	Very High	Your essay shows who you really are, not just what you have done
Impact and Change	High	You have made a real, measurable difference in your community

The 3 Things Every Successful Coca-Cola Scholar Has:

► LEADERSHIP: Not just being a member — but leading, initiating, and inspiring others. This means starting a club, organizing an event, leading a team, or creating a program that helps people.

► SERVICE: Consistently giving your time and energy to help your community. Not just a one-time volunteering day — but an ongoing, meaningful commitment to making your world better.

► CHARACTER: Being a person of integrity and purpose. The foundation wants scholars who are driven by genuine values — not just by the desire to win awards.

💡 Important Insight:

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation says it clearly: they are looking for students

who are making a DIFFERENCE — not just collecting titles and awards.

Ask yourself: What real problem have I worked to solve in my community?

That answer is the heart of a winning Coca-Cola Scholarship application.

SECTION 4 — HOW TO APPLY: COMPLETE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship

The application process has multiple stages. Here is every step broken down in the simplest way possible so you know exactly what to do and when to do it.

STEP 1 Go to the Official Website and Create Your Account

Visit: www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org

Click on Apply Now when the application opens on August 1st.

Create a free account using your email address.

IMPORTANT: Apply only through the official website. Beware of fake scholarship websites.

STEP 2 Complete the Online Application Form

The application form asks for your personal details, school information, and GPA.

You will list your extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and service work.

Be specific and detailed — quality over quantity. Do NOT just list everything you have done.

Highlight activities where you showed LEADERSHIP and created real IMPACT.

STEP 3 Write Your Personal Essays

This is the most important part of your application. Your essay tells your story.

The foundation asks for short-answer responses and one longer personal statement.

Write about a real problem you solved, a challenge you overcame, or change you created.

Be authentic. Be specific. Use real examples. Avoid vague, generic writing.

Draft, revise, and get feedback from a teacher or counselor before submitting.

STEP 4 Submit Your Application Before October 31st

The deadline is strictly October 31st every year at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

Submit early — do NOT wait until the last day. Technical problems can happen.

After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email. Save it for your records.

Note: There is NO application fee. Applying is completely free.

STEP 5 Wait for Semifinalist Notification (January)

In January, approximately 1,900 Semifinalists are selected from all applicants.

If you are selected, you will be notified by email in early January.

Semifinalists must complete an additional application with more detailed questions.

This second application digs deeper into your leadership, service, and character.

STEP 6 Finalist Selection and Interviews (February-March)

From 1,900 Semifinalists, approximately 250 Finalists are chosen in February.

Finalists are invited to attend a Regional Interview event in one of several US cities.

The interview is a group session where you meet the selection panel.

Be yourself, be genuine, and show your passion for your work and your community.

STEP 7 Scholar Selection — 150 Winners Announced (April)

From the 250 Finalists, 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.

Winners are announced in April each year.

You will receive a formal notification and an invitation to the Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia.

Congratulations — you are now a Coca-Cola Scholar for life!

Key Dates — Application Timeline at a Glance:

Month	Stage	Who is Involved	Action Required
August 1	Application Opens	All eligible high school seniors	Create account and begin application
October 31	Application Deadline	All applicants	Submit completed application by 11:59 PM ET
January	Semifinalists Notified	~1,900 students selected	Complete additional application
February	Finalists Notified	~250 students selected	Confirm attendance at Regional Interview
Feb–March	Regional Interviews	~250 Finalists	Attend interview event in your region
April	Scholars Announced	150 winners selected	Accept scholarship and confirm college plans
May–June	Scholars Weekend	150 Coca-Cola Scholars	Travel to Atlanta, GA for celebration event

SECTION 5 — BENEFITS OF THE COCA-COLA SCHOLARSHIP

Benefits of Winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship

Winning the Coca-Cola Scholarship is one of the best things that can happen to a student's future. Here are ALL the benefits — financial, academic, and personal — you receive:

Financial Benefits:

✔ $20,000 Scholarship Award: Every Coca-Cola Scholar receives $20,000 to use toward college tuition, fees, books, and education-related expenses.

✔ Disbursed Over 4 Years: The $20,000 is typically paid out as $5,000 per year over your 4 years of college — helping you cover costs as you go.

✔ No Restrictions on College Choice: You can use the scholarship at any accredited US college or university you choose. There is no requirement to attend a specific school.

✔ No Service Requirement After Winning: Unlike some scholarships that require you to work for the company afterward, the Coca-Cola Scholarship has no such obligation.

Academic and Professional Benefits:

• The title Coca-Cola Scholar is recognized by universities, graduate schools, and employers across the entire United States and beyond

• Significantly boosts your college application — Coca-Cola Scholars are admitted to the most competitive universities in America

• Qualifies you for exclusive leadership programs, conferences, and workshops organized by the Foundation

• Access to mentorship from alumni who are now leaders in business, medicine, law, tech, and government

• Many graduate schools and law and medical schools give preference to Coca-Cola Scholars

Community and Networking Benefits:

• You join a lifelong community of 6,500+ Coca-Cola Scholars from across the United States

• Invitation to the annual Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia — an all-expenses-paid celebration and leadership retreat

• Access to the Scholars Online Community — a private network for collaboration, job opportunities, and support

• Eligibility for additional funding through the Coca-Cola Scholars Alumni Association for graduate school and special projects

• Recognition at your school, in your community, and in local and national news media

🌍 The Coca-Cola Scholar Alumni Network — What It Can Do for You:

Over 6,500 Coca-Cola Scholar alumni are working across every industry in the world today.

Scholars have become Fortune 500 CEOs, US Senators, Nobel Prize nominees, Olympic athletes,

doctors, scientists, artists, and community leaders.

When you become a Coca-Cola Scholar, these people become your network — for life.

Many alumni actively help new scholars with internships, job referrals, and mentorship.

If You Are a Semifinalist...	If You Are a Full Scholar...
Recognized among top ~1,900 applicants	Recognized among top 150 in the entire USA
Excellent for college applications	Extraordinary for college applications
No scholarship money received	$20,000 scholarship over 4 years
No Alumni Network membership	Full lifetime membership in Scholar Alumni Network
Can mention in college essays and resume	Title used for life on all professional profiles
No Scholar Weekend invitation	All-expenses-paid Scholar Weekend in Atlanta

SECTION 6 — TIPS TO WRITE A WINNING APPLICATION

How to Write a Winning Coca-Cola Scholarship Application

Thousands of students apply every year. Here is exactly what separates the 150 winners from the rest. Follow these tips and your application will stand out.

For Your Activity List:

1. Quality Over Quantity Do not list 20 activities where you did very little. Pick your 5 to 7 most meaningful activities and show the IMPACT you had in each one.

2. Show Depth Not Breadth Doing one thing deeply for 4 years matters more than doing 10 things for a few months each. Sustained commitment shows true character.

3. Quantify Your Impact Instead of saying I volunteered at a food bank, say I organized a weekly food drive that collected 2,000 meals over 2 years and served 300 families in my community.

4. Show Leadership at Every Level Were you a founder, president, captain, organizer, or coordinator? Show that you LED — not just participated.

For Your Essays:

1. Tell a Real Story The best essays are specific. Name real people, real places, real moments. Tell the reader exactly what happened and why it mattered.

2. Answer the Question Directly Read each question carefully. Answer exactly what is being asked. Do not write a generic essay that could answer any question.

3. Show Your WHY Why do you care about what you do? What drives you? The foundation wants to know your values — not just your accomplishments.

4. Revise at Least 5 Times No great essay is written in one draft. Write, put it away, come back, revise again. Ask a teacher, parent, or mentor to give honest feedback.

5. Avoid These Common Mistakes Do not use cliches like hard work pays off. Do not start your essay with a dictionary definition. Write about what you LEARNED — not just what you won.

For the Interview (If You Become a Finalist):

• Prepare to talk clearly and confidently about your leadership experiences

• Practice answering: Tell us about a challenge you faced and how you overcame it

• Know why you want to go to college and what you plan to do with your education

• Be genuinely interested in the other Finalists — this is a community, not a competition

• Be yourself. The selection panel has met thousands of students — they know when someone is performing vs. being real

📝 Winning Essay Checklist — Before You Submit:

Did I answer the specific question that was asked?

Did I use a real, specific story with real details — not vague generalities?

Did I show WHY I care, not just WHAT I did?

Is my essay free from spelling and grammar mistakes?

Did I stay within the word limit?

Did at least one trusted adult read my essay and give feedback?

Does my essay sound like ME — not like a copy of something I found online?

SECTION 7 — YOUR COMPLETE APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Your Coca-Cola Scholarship Application Checklist

Use this checklist to make sure you have done everything you need to do. Print it out and tick each box as you complete each task.

Before You Apply (Grade 9 to 11):

☐	Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all subjects — aim for 3.8 or above to be competitive
☐	Take challenging courses — AP, IB, Honors, or Dual Enrollment classes
☐	Get involved in 2 to 3 meaningful extracurricular activities and take on leadership roles
☐	Start genuine community service work that you care deeply about
☐	Keep a record of your hours, impact, and achievements in each activity
☐	Research the Coca-Cola Scholarship each year so you understand what it values

When the Application Opens (August to October of Senior Year):

☐	Visit www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org on or after August 1st
☐	Create your application account using a professional email address
☐	Gather all the information you need: GPA, activity list, dates, and impact numbers
☐	Complete the Personal Information and School Information sections accurately
☐	Fill out your Activity and Leadership section with specific, measurable details
☐	Write and revise your personal essays — get at least 2 people to review them
☐	Double-check your entire application for spelling, grammar, and accuracy
☐	Submit your application BEFORE October 31st at 11:59 PM Eastern Time
☐	Save your confirmation email as proof of submission

If You Become a Semifinalist (January):

☐	Celebrate — you are already in the top ~1,900 students in the entire USA
☐	Complete the additional Semifinalist application thoroughly and on time
☐	Request any required letters of recommendation immediately
☐	Provide any additional academic documents that are requested

If You Become a Finalist (February):

☐	Confirm your attendance at the Regional Interview event
☐	Book travel arrangements to the interview city
☐	Prepare for your interview: practice telling your story clearly and confidently
☐	Research the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and their values before the interview
☐	Dress professionally and arrive on time

SECTION 8 — FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Q: Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship only for students with perfect grades?

A: No! While academics matter, the minimum GPA is 3.0. The scholarship is primarily

about leadership and service. Many students with 4.0 GPAs are NOT selected because

they lack real community impact. A student with a 3.5 GPA and extraordinary leadership

has an equal — or better — chance than a 4.0 student who only focuses on grades.

❓ Q: Can I apply if I am a junior (Grade 11)?

A: No. The Coca-Cola Scholarship is only open to current high school seniors (Grade 12).

You cannot apply as a junior. However, you can use your junior year to prepare —

build your activities, strengthen your GPA, and draft your essays in advance.

❓ Q: Can I apply for both the Coca-Cola Scholarship and other scholarships?

A: Absolutely yes! The Coca-Cola Scholarship does not prevent you from applying for

other scholarships. In fact, the activities and essays you prepare for Coca-Cola will

help you with many other scholarship applications. Always apply for multiple scholarships

to maximize your financial support for college.

❓ Q: Do I need to attend a specific college to keep the scholarship?

A: No. You can use the $20,000 at any accredited college or university in the USA.

There is no restriction on which school you attend. You also do not need to maintain

a specific GPA in college to keep receiving the scholarship payments, though you must

remain enrolled as a full-time student.

❓ Q: Is there an application fee?

A: No. Applying for the Coca-Cola Scholarship is completely FREE.

If any website asks you to pay money to apply for this scholarship, it is a SCAM.

Always apply only through the official website: www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org

FINAL THOUGHTS — YOUR FUTURE STARTS NOW

Final Thoughts: The Coca-Cola Scholarship Is Worth Every Effort

The Coca-Cola Scholarship is more than $20,000. It is a life-changing opportunity that opens doors, builds networks, and tells the world who you are and what you stand for.

The students who win are not necessarily the smartest or the most decorated. They are the ones who found something they cared about, worked to make it better, and told that story with honesty and passion.

If you have been a genuine leader and servant in your community — start your application. If you still have time before Grade 12 — start building that record now. Your efforts, your values, and your story matter.

🏆 Remember These Three Things:

1. Leadership is not a title — it is action. Show what you DID.

2. Service is not a line on a resume — it is a habit. Show your HEART.

3. Character is not what you say — it is what you do when no one is watching. Be REAL.

Now go write an application that shows the world exactly who you are.

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