Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27 - Apply Online

Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27; The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship for high school seniors in their final year. It honors students who show leadership, service, and dedication to making a difference in their schools and communities. Each year, 150 students are selected to receive a $20,000 scholarship, and so far, the Foundation has supported over 7,000 scholars with more than $87 million in funding. The 2026 application will be open from August 1 to September 30, 2025, for students graduating in the 2025–2026 school year. See below for more information about the Coca-Cola Scholars Program.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27

• Scholarship of: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
• Resident Eligible: United States (high school seniors graduating in 2025–2026)
• Application Start Date:
• Application Last Date: 
• Eligible Student of: High school students in their final year (2025–2026)
• Apply Mode: Online
• Official Website: www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org

Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria

For the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship, applicants must be:

• High school/homeschooled students currently enrolled in school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or selected DoD schools who will graduate from high school in the 2025-2026 school year (students residing overseas are not eligible).
• U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee (as per U.S. Dept. of Education rules).
• Expecting to receive a high school diploma this academic year.
• Planning to attend an accredited U.S. college or university.
• Must have at least a B average (3.0 GPA or higher) in high school.

Applicants cannot be:

• Children or grandchildren of current employees, officers, or owners of The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Company divisions, or subsidiaries.
• Children or grandchildren of former employees currently receiving retirement benefits based on prior employment with The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Coca-Cola Company, Company divisions, or subsidiaries.
• International students (excluding DoD school students)
• High school graduates
• Temporary residents.

Resident:

For the 2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, applicants must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. permanent residents, refugees, asylum seekers, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or humanitarian parolees.

Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27 Award:

Coca-Cola Scholars Program (for high school seniors) -

• No. of awards: 150 students selected every year.
• Amount: $20,000 each (achievement-based scholarship).

Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team (for community college students) -

• No. of awards: 200 students every year.
• Amount by tier:
  50 Gold Scholars - $1,500 each
  50 Silver Scholars - $1,250 each
  50 Bronze Scholars - $1,000 each

Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise (for Phi Theta Kappa members in community colleges)

• No. of awards: 200 scholarships
• Amount: $1,000 each

Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27 Selection Process:

Here’s the Coca-Cola Scholars Selection Process (2026 cycle) written clearly step by step:

(1) Phase 1 - Online Application:

• Opens August 1 – September 30, 2025.
• For high school seniors graduating in 2025–2026 who meet eligibility.
• No essays, transcripts, or recommendations are required.

(2) Phase 2 - Semifinalists:

• By end of October 2025, applicants are notified of results.
• About 1% of applicants are selected as Semifinalists (~1,200 students).
• Semifinalists must complete a Phase 2 application (due in November) that includes:
  Essays
  High school transcript
  Recommendation

(3) Phase 3 - Regional Finalists:

• From the ~1,200 Semifinalists, 250 students become Regional Finalists.
• Regional Finalists complete a virtual interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff in late January or early February 2026.
• All Semifinalists are informed of their status by email in early 2026.

(4) Phase 4 -Coke Scholars (Winners):

• After interviews, 150 students are chosen as Coca-Cola Scholars.
• Winners are invited to the Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta (April 23–26, 2026) to celebrate and confirm their selection.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Program 2026-27 How to Apply: 

Students can apply online through the Coca-Cola Scholars Program official website (www.thegatesscholarship.org).

Online Application Link

Important Dates:

• Application Start Date: 
• Application Last Date: 

Contact Details: 

• Call: 800-306-2653
• Email ID: scholars@coca-cola.com
• Website: www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org

Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2026-27 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q1. Who can apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?

• Answer: High school seniors graduating in 2025–2026 with at least a 3.0 GPA, planning to attend a U.S. college/university.

Q2. How many students are selected?

• Answer: Every year, 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.

Q3. What is the scholarship amount?

• Answer: Each Coca-Cola Scholar receives $20,000.

Q4. Do I need essays or recommendations to apply?

• Answer: Not for Phase 1. Essays, transcripts, and recommendations are only required if selected as a Semifinalist.    

Q5. Can international students apply?

• Answer: No, only U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, and humanitarian parolees are eligible.