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

SEO Excerpt: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2027 is now accepting applications from eligible high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year. The achievement-based scholarship awards 150 students $20,000 each and recognizes young people for leadership, service and their potential to make a significant impact in their schools and communities. The application deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Background & Scholarship Description

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027 provides an opportunity for high school students in their final year to compete for a significant college scholarship based on achievement, leadership and community service.

According to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year, with each recipient receiving a $20,000 scholarship. The programme recognises students who demonstrate leadership and service and show a commitment to making a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.

The 2027 application is available to students graduating during the 2026–2027 school year. The current application period runs through Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The scholarship is particularly relevant for students who have demonstrated accomplishments beyond simply maintaining strong academic performance. The Foundation describes the award as achievement-based, with leadership, service and community impact forming an important part of the programme’s focus.

Selection Process

The Coca-Cola Scholars selection process consists of several stages.

Phase 1: Online Application

The first phase is the online application period, which runs from August 3 through September 30 each year.

Students must currently be enrolled in high school, plan to graduate during the current academic year and meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements.

An important feature of Phase 1 is that applicants do not need to submit essays, transcripts or recommendations at this stage.

Phase 2: Semifinalists

Applicants are expected to receive notification of their application status by the end of October.

Approximately 1% of applicants are selected as Semifinalists. Those students are invited to complete a second application in November that includes essays, a transcript and a recommendation.

Phase 3: Regional Finalists

From approximately 1,200 Semifinalists, 250 candidates advance to become Regional Finalists.

These candidates participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff, scheduled for late January or early February.

Phase 4: Coca-Cola Scholars

Following the interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited to the required Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April, where the final selection as Coca-Cola Scholars is confirmed.

This multi-stage process means students should treat the initial application as the beginning of a competitive selection process rather than the final submission.

Qualifications

Education and Eligibility

The information provided by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation confirms that the 2027 scholarship is intended for high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.

The Foundation provides a dedicated page containing the full eligibility requirements, so applicants should carefully review those requirements before submitting their applications.

Beyond eligibility, successful candidates are recognised for their capacity to lead and serve and their commitment to creating a significant impact within their schools and communities.

Students preparing an application should therefore clearly document their accomplishments, leadership activities, community involvement and contributions.

Additional Information

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation states that it supports more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year through three nationally recognised programmes, with annual scholarships totalling $3.55 million.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of those programmes and awards 150 scholarships of $20,000 annually.

The Foundation also notes that, with the addition of the 2026 class, it had provided more than 7,200 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships since its founding in 1986.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars application is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Students should submit their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final hours, particularly because the programme is highly competitive.

How to Apply

Eligible students can apply through the official Coca-Cola Scholars application portal. The Foundation states that the 2027 application is available online for high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.

Applicants should review the eligibility requirements and application instructions carefully before completing the submission.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation also provides application FAQs covering questions about eligibility, international students, homeschooling, gap years, application saving issues and other common concerns.

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