The
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious – and most popular – college scholarships for graduating high school seniors. For the past 34 years, the company has funded over $81 million in scholarships for incoming college students. Approximately 150 high school seniors are selected each year to win a $20,000 achievement-based scholarship.
But the Coca-Cola Scholarship is more than just a way to pay for school or a scholarship program – it’s the start of a lifetime of making connections and networking to advance in your career and life. Check out how you can qualify for and apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship.
Eligibility for the Coca-Cola Scholarship
Like most scholarship opportunities, there are minimum requirements that students must meet to apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship. You must be:
• A current high school senior, attending a school in the U.S., homeschooled or select DoD schools, who will graduate at the close of the 2024 - 2025 school year.
• A U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee.
• Planning to pursue a college degree at an accredited U.S. college or university.
There are a few exceptions to the eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, children or grandchildren of current Coca-Cola employees, officers, owners, and retired employees who are receiving benefits cannot apply. International students, high school graduates, and temporary residents are unable to apply as well.
Finally, the scholarship is not need-based but merit-based, meaning it doesn’t matter what your family income level is in order to be eligible. According to the
Coca-Cola Scholars Program, “Coca-Cola Scholars are well-rounded, bright students who not only excel academically, but are also actively involved in their schools. These leaders are passionate, service-oriented, and demonstrate a sustained commitment to bettering their community.”
The scholarship application deadline is September 30, 2024; students have about two months to complete the application to be considered. In terms of scholarships, the Coca-Cola Scholars application is relatively simple. No essays or additional forms are required. Instead, students must simply fill out an application detailing their grades, extracurricular activities, employment, and community activities.
Get further details on how to apply for the
Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship here.
After the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
The Coca-Cola Scholarship is more than just a way to pay for school; it’s an opportunity that lasts a lifetime. Scholars in the program are inducted into a network of 6,300 alumni scholars who help one another achieve success in college as well as in their careers.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program hosts annual events in a variety of locations across the country. Through these receptions, Coca-Cola Scholars can meet other members of their class as well as alumni. They can network and make lasting connections, which will serve them well in college and beyond.
Each new Coca-Cola Scholar is also paired with a Coach, who can help them analyze and cast a vision for their future goals. Coaches exist as a mentor for each student when they begin their college journeys and serve as a sounding board for advice and decision-making throughout their paired Scholars’ college career.
Finally, recent Scholars as well as alumni can engage through designated groups via social media channels, like Facebook and LinkedIn. The Coca-Cola Scholars Program even has its own Book Club.
Similar Scholarship Opportunities
Coca-Cola hosts two other programs that may be of interest to students pursuing a degree after high school. They include:
Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team
Available to: Current students at two-year community colleges
Award Amount: 50 $1,500 scholarships, 50 $1,250 scholarships, and 50 $1,000 scholarships
Get more information on how to apply.
Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise
Available to: Current students at two-year community colleges
Award Amount: 200 $1,000 scholarships
Get more information on how to apply.
Finally, check out our list of other
top scholarships for high school seniors—and apply now!