The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2027 is now open for high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year. The prestigious scholarship offers $20,000 to each of 150 selected students, making it one of the most sought-after scholarship opportunities for graduating high school students in the United States.
Unlike scholarships that focus primarily on financial need, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship. It recognizes students who demonstrate the capacity to lead and serve and who have shown a commitment to creating a significant impact in their schools and communities.
For students preparing for college, the 2027 scholarship represents an opportunity to receive substantial financial support while joining a nationwide community of high-achieving young leaders.
This guide explains what the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 is, who it is designed for, how the application process works, what happens after you apply and how students can prepare for each stage of the selection process.
What Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is a national scholarship program administered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
The program recognizes students in their final year of high school who have demonstrated leadership, service and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in their schools and communities.
Each year, 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected to receive a $20,000 scholarship.
The Foundation says that, with the addition of the 2026 class, it had supported more than 7,200 Coca-Cola Scholars nationwide with over $90 million in scholarships since its founding in 1986.
This history illustrates the scale and long-term impact of the program.
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 at a Glance
| Opportunity | Details |
|---|---|
| Scholarship | Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship |
| Award | $20,000 |
| Number of scholars | 150 |
| Eligible graduating class | Students graduating during the 2026–2027 school year |
| Application | Online |
| Application opens | August 3, 2026 |
| Application deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Deadline time | 5 p.m. Eastern |
| Phase 1 | Online application |
| Phase 2 | Semifinalists |
| Phase 3 | Regional Finalists |
| Phase 4 | Coca-Cola Scholars |
| Final event | Required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta |
The Foundation confirms that the 2027 application is available for students graduating in the 2026–2027 academic year and closes at 5 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
How Much Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027?
Each of the 150 students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will receive $20,000.
The size of the award makes the program particularly attractive to students preparing for the costs associated with higher education.
However, applicants should understand that the scholarship is highly selective. The Foundation receives a large number of applications but can award scholarships to only a small percentage of students.
Therefore, students should approach the application strategically and carefully.
Who Can Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027?
The 2027 application is intended for high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.
The Foundation’s application page provides the complete eligibility requirements, and applicants should review those requirements before submitting an application. The source provided for this article specifically directs applicants to the Foundation’s View Eligibility Requirements section.
Students should not assume that being a high school senior automatically makes them eligible. It is important to carefully check all of the Foundation’s requirements before beginning the application.
When Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 Deadline?
The deadline for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars application is:
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Foundation states that the Phase 1 application is open from August 3 through September 30 each year.
Students should avoid waiting until the final hours to submit their applications. Preparing information in advance can help reduce mistakes and prevent last-minute technical difficulties.
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 Application Process
The Coca-Cola Scholars selection process consists of four major phases.
Phase 1 — Online Application
The first stage is the online application.
For the 2027 cycle, applications are available to eligible high school students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.
The Foundation states that Phase 1:
- Opens August 3
- Closes September 30
- Is completed online
- Requires no essays
- Requires no transcript
- Requires no recommendations
This is an important distinction.
Students applying for the first time should not assume that they need to submit a full scholarship package containing essays, transcripts and recommendation letters at this initial stage.
What Happens After You Submit the First Application?
After the initial application period ends, applicants are notified of their status.
The Foundation states that applicants will be notified by the end of October.
Approximately 1% of applicants are named Semifinalists.
This means that reaching the semifinalist stage is already a significant accomplishment.
Phase 2 — Coca-Cola Scholarship Semifinalists
Students who become semifinalists are invited to complete a second application.
Unlike Phase 1, this stage requires additional materials.
The Foundation states that the Phase 2 application includes:
- Essays
- A transcript
- A recommendation
The Phase 2 application is due in November.
Approximately 1,200 students are expected to reach the semifinalist stage.
Students should therefore be prepared to provide more detailed information about their academic record, leadership experience, community involvement and achievements if they advance.
Phase 3 — Regional Finalists
After the semifinalist stage, the selection process becomes even more competitive.
From approximately 1,200 semifinalists, 250 students advance as Regional Finalists.
Regional Finalists participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff.
The Foundation states that these interviews take place in late January or early February.
All semifinalists are notified of their status by email early in the new year.
Phase 4 — Coca-Cola Scholars
The final stage is the selection of the Coca-Cola Scholars.
Following the interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited in April to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm their selection as Coca-Cola Scholars.
The final 150 students become the Coca-Cola Scholars for the class.
Each receives the $20,000 scholarship.
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 Timeline
Students should keep the following timeline in mind:
August 3, 2026
The Phase 1 application opens.
September 30, 2026
The application closes at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
By the End of October 2026
Applicants are notified of their application status.
November 2026
Semifinalists complete the Phase 2 application, including essays, transcript and recommendation.
Late January or Early February 2027
Regional Finalist interviews take place.
April 2027
The 150 Regional Finalists are invited to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta to confirm their selection.
What Makes the Coca-Cola Scholarship Different?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is not simply an academic scholarship.
The Foundation describes it as an achievement-based scholarship for students in their final year of high school. It recognizes students based on their capacity to lead and serve and their commitment to creating significant impact in their schools and communities.
This means students should think beyond grades when preparing their applications.
A strong candidate should be able to communicate a meaningful record of:
- Leadership
- Service
- Community involvement
- Initiative
- Achievement
- Positive impact
How to Prepare for the Coca-Cola Scholarship
Although Phase 1 does not require essays, transcripts or recommendations, students should still prepare carefully.
Start by creating a personal record of your achievements.
Academic achievements
Keep track of:
- Academic awards
- Major academic accomplishments
- School achievements
- Relevant academic activities
Leadership experience
Record:
- Leadership positions
- Organizations you have led
- Projects you have organized
- Initiatives you have created
- Responsibilities you have taken on
Community service
Document:
- Volunteer activities
- Community projects
- Service organizations
- Causes you have supported
- People or communities you have helped
Impact
Where possible, record measurable outcomes.
For example:
- Number of students reached
- Number of volunteers recruited
- Number of people supported
- Funds raised
- Projects completed
- Events organized
- Resources distributed
The goal is to demonstrate what you actually accomplished rather than simply listing organizations or activities.
Why Leadership Matters
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation specifically identifies the capacity to lead and serve as part of what the scholarship recognizes.
Leadership does not have to mean holding the most prestigious title.
Students can demonstrate leadership by:
- Starting an initiative
- Solving a community problem
- Organizing other students
- Creating a service project
- Taking responsibility for an existing program
- Helping others achieve a shared objective
The most important consideration is the contribution you made and the impact that resulted.
Why Community Impact Matters
The Foundation emphasizes students’ commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.
When preparing your application, think about the difference between participation and impact.
For example:
Participation:
“I volunteered with a community organization.”
Impact-focused description:
“I helped organize a community initiative that provided educational resources to local students.”
The second approach gives a clearer picture of what the applicant actually contributed.
What Happens If You Become a Semifinalist?
Becoming a semifinalist means your application has advanced to the second stage of the competition.
At this point, you will be expected to provide:
- Essays
- Transcript
- Recommendation
The Phase 2 application is due in November.
Students should therefore be prepared to explain their experiences in greater depth.
What Happens During the Regional Finalist Stage?
Approximately 250 semifinalists become Regional Finalists.
These students participate in a final interview with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni and staff.
The interview provides an opportunity for finalists to communicate their experiences and accomplishments directly rather than relying solely on written information.
Students reaching this stage should be prepared to discuss their leadership, service, achievements and the impact they have made.
What Is Coke Scholars Weekend?
After the finalist interviews, 150 Regional Finalists are invited to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April to confirm their selection as Coca-Cola Scholars.
This represents the final stage of the selection process.
Is the Coca-Cola Scholarship Need-Based?
The Foundation’s application page specifically lists this question among its application FAQs.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program itself is described by the Foundation as an achievement-based scholarship, with selection centered on leadership, service and impact.
Applicants should therefore review the Foundation’s official eligibility and FAQ information for the most precise details regarding financial need and other eligibility questions.
Can International Students Apply?
The Foundation’s application page specifically includes an FAQ addressing whether international students are eligible.
Because eligibility requirements can be specific, international applicants should consult the official Coca-Cola Scholars eligibility information rather than relying on general descriptions of the scholarship.
The 2027 application is specifically presented for students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year.
What About Homeschool Students?
The Foundation’s application FAQs specifically address homeschooling applicants, including questions about eligibility and whom homeschool students should enter as their counselor or principal.
Students who are homeschooled should therefore consult those official instructions when completing the application.
What About Activities Outside School?
The Foundation’s FAQ specifically addresses where activities that are not sponsored by a school should be entered in the application.
This is useful for students whose strongest leadership or service experiences have taken place outside traditional school organizations.
Examples might include community initiatives, independent projects or other activities, depending on the student’s circumstances and what the application permits.
Does the Coca-Cola Scholarship Have Other Programs?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports more than the main Coca-Cola Scholars Program.
According to the Foundation, it supports more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, with $3.55 million in annual scholarships awarded through three nationally recognized programs.
These include the following programs.
Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team
The Foundation supports two-year colleges through the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program, administered by Phi Theta Kappa.
The program awards 200 stipends annually across different tiers.
The listed awards include:
- 50 New Century Gold Scholars — $1,500
- 50 Silver Scholars — $1,250
- 50 Bronze Scholars — $1,000
Students interested in this program should obtain application information directly through Phi Theta Kappa.
Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise program is another scholarship program administered through Phi Theta Kappa.
The Foundation states that 200 scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded based on applications submitted by members.
These programs are separate from the $20,000 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship.
Common Mistakes Students Should Avoid
Waiting Until the Deadline
The 2027 deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern.
Do not leave the application until the last day.
Assuming the Scholarship Is Only About Grades
The Foundation describes the program as achievement-based and specifically highlights leadership, service and significant community impact.
Ignoring the Official Instructions
The Foundation provides dedicated eligibility requirements and application FAQs.
Always check those instructions before submitting.
Submitting Unrequested Materials
Phase 1 does not require essays, transcripts or recommendations.
Students should follow the application instructions rather than submitting documents that have not been requested.
How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027
The official 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars application is available online through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
Application:
Coca-Cola Scholars 2027 Application
Official scholarship information:
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Application Page
Students should ensure that their application is submitted before 5 p.m. Eastern on September 30, 2026.
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 offers an opportunity for exceptional high school students to receive a $20,000 college scholarship while joining a prestigious community of Coca-Cola Scholars.
The program selects only 150 scholars each year, and the selection process involves multiple stages, beginning with an online application and progressing through semifinalists, Regional Finalists, interviews and the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta.
For students graduating during the 2026–2027 academic year, the most important date to remember is:
September 30, 2026 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Start preparing early. Review the official eligibility requirements, organize your academic and extracurricular information, document your leadership and community impact, and carefully follow every instruction in the official application.
Most importantly, remember what distinguishes this scholarship: the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is designed to recognize students who demonstrate the capacity to lead and serve and a commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027?
The scholarship is worth $20,000, with 150 students selected each year.
When is the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2027 deadline?
The deadline is Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
When does the 2027 application open?
The Phase 1 application opens August 3, 2026.
Do I need an essay for the initial application?
No. Phase 1 does not require an essay, transcript or recommendation.
What happens if I become a semifinalist?
Semifinalists complete a Phase 2 application containing essays, a transcript and a recommendation.
How many semifinalists are selected?
Approximately 1,200 students, representing about 1% of applicants, become semifinalists.
How many Regional Finalists are selected?
Approximately 250 semifinalists advance to become Regional Finalists.
How many Coca-Cola Scholars are selected?
150 students are selected each year.
When are the final scholars confirmed?
The 150 Regional Finalists are invited to the required Coke Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April to confirm their selection.
Can I apply by mail?
The 2027 application is provided as an online application. Students should follow the official online application instructions.
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