Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027: Win a $20,000 College Scholarship for Outstanding High School Seniors in the United States

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible high school seniors across the United States. Recognized as one of the country’s most prestigious merit-based scholarship programs, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program rewards exceptional students who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to serving their schools and communities.

Administered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the program awards 150 scholarships worth $20,000 each every year to graduating high school seniors who have made meaningful contributions through leadership and community service. Since its establishment in 1986, the Foundation has invested more than $90 million in scholarships and supported over 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars, making it one of the nation’s most respected scholarship initiatives.

If you are a high-achieving student planning to pursue higher education in the United States, this scholarship presents an outstanding opportunity to receive financial support while joining a nationwide network of influential student leaders.

About the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship, meaning recipients are selected based on their accomplishments rather than their financial need.

Unlike many scholarship programs, applicants are evaluated on several qualities, including:

• Academic excellence
• Leadership potential
• Community service
• Positive impact on school and community
• Commitment to creating meaningful change

The Foundation looks for students who have consistently demonstrated the ability to lead others, contribute to society, and excel academically throughout high school.

Each year:

• 150 students are selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.
• Each recipient receives a $20,000 college scholarship.
• Scholars become part of an extensive alumni network of leaders making a difference across various professions and communities.

Scholarship Value

Successful applicants will receive:

• A $20,000 scholarship to support college education.
• Membership in the prestigious Coca-Cola Scholars alumni network.
• Leadership development opportunities.
• National recognition as a Coca-Cola Scholar.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow scholars and leaders from across the United States.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

Educational Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled as a high school or home-schooled student.
• Attend school in:
  • One of the 50 U.S. states
  • The District of Columbia
  • Puerto Rico
  • Or an eligible Department of Defense (DoD) school abroad.
• Graduate during the 2026–2027 academic school year.
• Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B average).

Citizenship Requirements

Applicants must be one of the following:

• U.S. Citizen
• U.S. National
• U.S. Permanent Resident
• Refugee
• Asylee
• Cuban-Haitian Entrant
• Humanitarian Parolee

Applicants must meet these citizenship requirements at the time of application and no later than Wednesday, September 30, 2026. A pending immigration application does not establish eligibility.

Who Is Not Eligible?

The following individuals are not eligible for the scholarship:

• International students (except students attending eligible Department of Defense schools abroad).
• Students attending American or expatriate schools outside the eligible geographic areas.
• High school graduates.
• Students who took a gap year or are non-traditional students.
• Temporary residents.
• Students graduating from:
  • Guam
  • U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Northern Mariana Islands
  • American Samoa
  • American or expatriate schools abroad
• Children or grandchildren of current Coca-Cola employees, officers, owners, or certain retired employees receiving Coca-Cola retirement benefits.

Is the Scholarship Based on Financial Need?

No.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is not a need-based or income-based scholarship.

Instead, selection is based on:

• Leadership
• Academic achievement
• Service to school and community

Financial need is not used as a selection criterion.

Coca-Cola Scholars Selection Process

The scholarship selection process consists of four competitive phases.

Phase 1: Online Application

The initial online application opens annually between August 3 and September 30.

During this stage:

• No essays are required.
• No transcript is required.
• No recommendation letters are required.

Students simply complete the online application before the deadline.

Phase 2: Semifinalists

By the end of October:

• Applicants receive notification of their application status.
• Approximately 1% of applicants advance as Semifinalists.

Semifinalists must submit:

• Essays
• Official transcript
• Recommendation letter

Phase 3: Regional Finalists

Around 250 Regional Finalists are selected from approximately 1,200 Semifinalists.

These finalists participate in interviews conducted by Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and Foundation staff during late January or early February.

Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars

Following the interview process:

• 150 students are officially selected as Coca-Cola Scholars.
• Selected students attend the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm their selection.

Application Period

Applications for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship are open:

• Opening Date: Monday, August 3, 2026
• Closing Date: Wednesday, September 30, 2026
• Deadline Time: 5:00 PM Eastern Time

Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit their applications well before the closing deadline to avoid technical issues or last-minute complications.

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Why This Scholarship Stands Out

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program has become one of America’s most respected scholarship initiatives because it recognizes students who have already demonstrated exceptional leadership and service before entering college.

Recipients not only receive substantial financial assistance but also gain access to a lifelong community of scholars, networking opportunities, leadership experiences, and national recognition.

For ambitious high school seniors who aspire to create positive change in their communities, becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar represents both a significant honor and an investment in their future.

Application Tips

To improve your chances of success:

1. Apply well before the September 30 deadline.
2. Ensure your academic records reflect a minimum 3.0 GPA.
3. Highlight meaningful leadership roles.
4. Showcase community service activities with measurable impact.
5. Prepare early in case you advance to the semifinalist stage, where essays, transcripts, and recommendation letters become required.
6. Verify that you meet all citizenship and school eligibility requirements before applying.

See FAQs here.

Conclusion

The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship offers an exceptional opportunity for outstanding U.S. high school seniors to receive a $20,000 scholarship while joining one of the nation’s most prestigious leadership communities. Rather than focusing on financial need, the Foundation seeks students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a lasting commitment to serving others.

Eligible students should take advantage of this opportunity by preparing their application early and ensuring they meet every eligibility requirement before the application deadline of 5:00 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. With only 150 scholarships awarded annually, the selection process is highly competitive, making early preparation and a strong application essential.

Visit the OFY website for more Scholarship Opportunities.