The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, a transformative US college scholarships initiative, invites high school seniors across the United States to apply for a prestigious high school leadership award that fosters community impact and academic excellence. Established in 1986 by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a partnership between The Coca-Cola Company and its bottlers, this achievement-based program, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has empowered over 7,050 scholars with $87 million in funding. Hosted at the University of Georgia and other accredited institutions, it cultivates a global leadership odyssey, recognizing 150 students annually as visionary change catalysts who drive positive transformation in their communities.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program supports diverse fields, including Business, STEM, Social Sciences, Arts, Public Policy, and Nonprofit Management, encouraging scholars to pursue undergraduate degrees at top U.S. institutions like Harvard, Stanford, or Yale. Business students innovate entrepreneurial solutions, while STEM scholars advance technological breakthroughs. Social Sciences candidates shape policy frameworks, and Arts participants enrich cultural landscapes, contributing to global knowledge. Scholars engage in the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend (April 2–5, 2026, in Atlanta), featuring the 37th Annual Scholars Banquet and Leadership Development Institute, led by alumni mentors. With a 95% graduation rate, alumni excel as CEOs, educators, or community leaders, supported by a 7,050+ alumni network.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program fosters global leadership networking. Scholars connect with peers, mentors, and industry experts from across the U.S., participating in alumni-driven initiatives like The SIP podcast and a coaching program pairing seasoned scholars with first-year recipients. The program’s inclusivity ethos ensures representation from urban, rural, and underserved communities, aligning with U.S. educational equity goals. Cultural events, like Atlanta’s Peachtree Festival or Scholars Leadership Summit (every five years), and student-led projects, such as community service campaigns, enrich the diverse leadership experience, with 20% of scholars launching impact-driven ventures.
Studying in the USA, scholars experience a global leadership odyssey. They explore landmarks like Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, Washington, D.C.’s National Mall, or San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, immersing in America’s cultural vibrancy. Events like Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations, New York’s Broadway shows, or Chicago’s Lollapalooza deepen engagement. U.S. campuses, with state-of-the-art libraries, research labs, and student centers, support a global academic immersion, enhanced by connectivity to London, Tokyo, and Sydney. The USA’s safe, dynamic environment (U.S. News Best Countries 2025) complements scholarly pursuits.
Join a global cohort to champion leadership excellence, embrace U.S. cultural diversity, and shape a transformative future with Coca-Cola Scholars Program!
Coca-Cola Scholarship:
Host Country:
•United States of America (USA)
Host organisation:
•The Coca-Cola Foundation
Scholarship Location:
•Atlanta, Georgia
Scholarship level:
•For students in the last year of high school.
Benefits of the Coca-Cola Scholarship:
•Monetary award of $ 20,000 for one year.
•The Coca-Cola Scholars can stay connected even after completing their degree.
•Coca-Cola hosts receptions and scholars are invited to attend a leadership summit every 5 years.
•Scholars will get a chance to interact with alumni.
•Chance to become a part of a network of community leaders.
Eligibility Criteria for Coca-Cola Scholarship:
Applicant’s:
1. Must be in the final year of high school.
2. Those who have already graduated cannot apply for this scholarship.
3. Should be either Permanent U.S. Citizens/residents, Refugees, Asylees, Cuban Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees according to U.S. guidelines.
4. Should not be children or grandchildren of current employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola company.
5. Should not be children or grandchildren of former employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola company who are currently getting retirement benefits.
6. Should not be students who are attending school outside of the 50 U.S. states.
7. Must not be temporary Residents of the U.S. Their legal residence should be in the U.S.
8. Who is U.S citizens and are attending high school in any country other than America or any American school abroad are not eligible.
9. Applicants must pay a USD 39 registration fee.
Documents Required for Coke Scholarship:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of high school degree.
3. Academic transcript of high school program (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Motivation letter/statement of purpose (if any).
7. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
8. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
9. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
10. University Admission Offer Letter (If Already Issued).
Scholarship Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• The registration for 2026 is open with a tentative deadline in September 2025.
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
