The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 offers 150 high school seniors a $20,000 college scholarship based on achievement, leadership, service and community impact. Applications are open to eligible students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year, with the deadline set for September 30, 2026.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027 is one of the major national scholarship opportunities available to high school students in the United States. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards the scholarship to students who demonstrate leadership, service and a commitment to creating meaningful impact in their schools and communities.
For students planning to attend college after high school, the scholarship can provide substantial financial support while also connecting recipients to a prestigious national community of scholars.
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 Overview
The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship provides $20,000 to each selected scholar. The foundation states that 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected each year.
The 2027 scholarship is specifically available to high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year. The application deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Key Details
- Scholarship: Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship
- Award: $20,000
- Number of scholars: 150
- Target applicants: High school students graduating during the 2026–2027 school year
- Application period: August 3–September 30, 2026
- Deadline: September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
- Selection basis: Achievement, leadership, service and community impact
- Application: Online
The official foundation confirms that the 2027 application is available through its online application portal.
What Makes the Coca-Cola Scholarship Different?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship. Rather than being described simply as financial assistance based on household income, the foundation emphasizes students’ capacity to lead and serve and their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.
This means students should consider more than their academic performance when preparing an application. Their leadership experiences, service activities and contribution to their communities can form an important part of their overall profile.
The foundation also reports a substantial history behind the programme. With the addition of the 2026 class, it states that more than 7,200 Coke Scholars had received more than $90 million in scholarships since the foundation was established in 1986.
Who Can Apply for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholarship?
The 2027 competition is intended for students who are currently enrolled in high school and planning to graduate during the current academic year, provided they also meet the programme’s other eligibility requirements.
The official application page directs prospective candidates to review the complete eligibility requirements before applying.
Because the eligibility details are presented separately on the official application page, applicants should check those requirements directly rather than relying on summaries from third-party websites.
Coca-Cola Scholarship Selection Process
One of the most important features of the Coca-Cola Scholars competition is its multi-stage selection process.
Phase 1: Online Application
The first phase runs from August 3 through September 30 each year.
At this stage, students complete the online application. The foundation states that applicants do not need to submit essays, a transcript or recommendations during Phase 1.
For the 2027 competition, students therefore need to ensure their initial application is completed and submitted before the September 30 deadline.
Phase 2: Semifinalists
By the end of October, applicants are notified of their status.
Approximately 1% of applicants become Semifinalists. Those selected are invited to complete a second application in November that includes essays, a transcript and a recommendation.
Phase 3: Regional Finalists
Approximately 1,200 Semifinalists move into the next stage.
From this group, 250 students are selected as Regional Finalists. These candidates participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff, normally in 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 to confirm their selection as Coca-Cola Scholars.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Students interested in the Coca-Cola Scholarship should begin preparing well before the deadline.
A strong preparation strategy includes documenting leadership roles, community service, extracurricular activities and meaningful projects. Students should also be prepared to explain the impact of their activities rather than simply listing everything they have participated in.
Since the programme emphasizes leadership, service and community impact, applicants should think carefully about experiences that demonstrate initiative, responsibility and a commitment to helping others.
For students who progress to Phase 2, preparation becomes even more important because the application then includes essays, a transcript and a recommendation.
Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship Income-Based?
The foundation’s FAQ specifically includes the question of whether the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a needs- or income-based scholarship. However, the supplied source does not display the expanded answer.
Applicants should therefore consult the official FAQ and eligibility information for the definitive requirements rather than assuming eligibility based on income alone.
Other Coca-Cola Scholarship Programs
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation also supports additional programmes beyond the main $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship.
The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program, administered by Phi Theta Kappa, provides 200 stipends across four recipient tiers. The listed awards include $1,500 New Century Gold Scholarships, $1,250 Silver Scholarships and $1,000 Bronze Scholarships.
The foundation also supports Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise, which provides 200 scholarships of $1,000 each to eligible Phi Theta Kappa members enrolled in community colleges.
These programmes have separate application processes and eligibility requirements.
How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027
Eligible students should apply through the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation application portal.
For the 2027 competition, the application is available online and must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2026.
Students should carefully review the official eligibility requirements and application instructions before submitting.
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 represents a significant opportunity for high school students preparing for college. With 150 scholarships worth $20,000 each, the programme is highly competitive and places emphasis on achievement, leadership, service and meaningful community impact.
Students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year should pay close attention to the September 30, 2026 deadline and begin preparing their applications early.
Editorial note: This article is an independently prepared guide based on information supplied from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. It is not an official publication of the foundation. Applicants should verify eligibility, deadlines and application requirements through the official scholarship website before submitting an application.
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