Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027 – $20,000 for High School Seniors

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement‑based scholarship awarded to high school students in their final year. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. 

150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year to receive a **$20,000 scholarship**. Since its founding in 1986, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has provided more than $90 million in scholarships to over 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide. The application for the 2027 class (for students graduating in the 2026‑2027 academic year) opens on 3 August 2026.

If you are looking for similar opportunities in the United States, explore fully funded scholarships in USA for international students.

Scholarship Overview

• Scholarship Name: Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

• Award Amount: $20,000

• Number of Scholarships: 150 annually

• Eligibility: High school seniors graduating in 2026‑2027

• Application Opens: 3 August 2026

• Phase 1 Deadline: 30 September 2026

For students seeking other funded programs in North America, check latest scholarships in Canada for all nationalities.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a high school or home‑schooled, attending school in one of the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or select DoD schools. They must graduate high school during the 2026‑2027 academic year. Students graduating from American or expat schools abroad are not eligible, and individuals who have already graduated from high school are not eligible.

Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban‑Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee based on the guidelines utilized by the U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility. They must expect to receive a high school diploma during the current academic year and plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post‑secondary institution. Additionally, applicants must be able to verify a minimum overall B or 3.0 GPA in high school coursework.

The following individuals are not eligible: children or grandchildren of current employees, officers, or owners of Coca‑Cola bottling companies, The Coca‑Cola Company, Company divisions, or subsidiaries; children or grandchildren of former employees who are currently receiving retirement benefits based on their previous employment with Coca‑Cola bottling companies, The Coca‑Cola Company, Company divisions, or subsidiaries; international students (with the exception of students at DoD schools); high school graduates; and temporary residents.

The Selection Process

Phase 1 – Online Application (August 3 – September 30)
The Phase 1 application is open from 3 August to 30 September each year. This phase requires no essays, no transcript, and no recommendations. All eligible high school seniors are encouraged to apply.

Phase 2 – Semifinalists (By end of October)
All applicants will be notified of their application status by the end of October. About 1% will be named Semifinalists and invited to complete a Phase 2 application due in November. This phase requires essays, a transcript, and a recommendation.

Phase 3 – Regional Finalists
From approximately 1,200 Semifinalists, 250 will advance as Regional Finalists and will participate in a final interview with Coke Scholar alumni and staff in late January or early February. All Semifinalists will be notified of their status via email early in the new year.

Phase 4 – Coca-Cola Scholars
Following interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited in April to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm selection as Coca‑Cola Scholars.

For applicants interested in other merit‑based scholarships, see USA's latest scholarships in 2026.

How to Apply – Step by Step

Step 1: Mark your calendar – the application opens 3 August 2026.

Step 2: Visit the Coca‑Cola Scholars Foundation website and complete the Phase 1 online application by 30 September 2026. No essays, transcript, or recommendations are required at this stage.

Step 3: Check your email by the end of October to see if you have been named a Semifinalist.

Step 4: If selected as a Semifinalist, complete the Phase 2 application (essays, transcript, recommendation) by the November deadline.

Step 5: If selected as a Regional Finalist, participate in a final interview in late January or early February.

Step 6: If selected as a Coca‑Cola Scholar, attend the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April.

For additional financial aid options across North America, explore financial aids for students in North America.

Important Dates

The Phase 1 application opens on 3 August 2026 and closes on 30 September 2026. Semifinalist notifications are sent by the end of October. The Phase 2 application deadline is in November.

Regional Finalist interviews take place in late January or early February. The Coke Scholars Weekend is held in April.

Final Thoughts

The Coca‑Cola Scholars Program is one of the most prestigious achievement‑based scholarships for high school seniors in the United States. With $20,000 awards for 150 students annually, this scholarship recognizes leadership, service, and community impact.

The application opens 3 August 2026. Mark your calendar, prepare your achievements, and apply before 30 September 2026.

For a complete list of open scholarships in North America, visit list of all open scholarships in North America.

Apply Now for Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship