For the high-school class graduating in 2026–27, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offered a widely known national competition: 150 scholarships of $20,000 for graduating seniors. Timing matters: the application closed September 30, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET, so a student who did not apply should not assume the form is still available. The program profile summarizes what this cycle confirmed and what remains unannounced.
Published criteria were graduation during the 2026–27 school year, at least a 3.0 GPA, and plans to attend an accredited U.S. college or university. The foundation also selects for leadership and service; meeting the academic minimum does not make the scholarship automatic or guarantee an award. Only 150 students nationwide are selected, so treat it as a competitive option alongside local and state aid.
The $20,000 is the advertised scholarship amount, not an annual renewable figure in the announcement reviewed. Before budgeting it toward tuition, read the award agreement and payment instructions; the materials do not establish that it covers housing, books, or the full cost at every campus. Include a potential award in a net-price comparison and ask the college how it coordinates with other grants or scholarships.
The foundation said in outreach materials that no essay is required, but students should keep an accurate record of activities, service, achievements, and responsibilities for the application and selection process. Use only the portal linked from the official foundation site, save confirmation, and do not pay third parties to apply. As of October 12, 2026, a new application window has not been posted; we do not invent a 2027 opening date.
If you missed the deadline, prepare for the next school year without delaying FAFSA, college applications, or other scholarships. Keep an updated transcript and evidence of community participation and leadership, but wait for the organization to publish the next class’s grade-year, eligibility, and dates. Families can help organize documents, while the application must accurately represent the student’s own record. For questions, use the official Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation contact and verify the page remains on its legitimate domain.
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — application information — Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
Information checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Dates and requirements may change by cohort; the 2026 Coca-Cola and Gates application windows have closed.
The 2026 application is closed; use this guide to prepare and wait for the next cohort’s official calendar.
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Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — Coca-Cola Scholars Program
PO Box 442, Atlanta, GA 30301
For 2026, 150 national scholarships of $20,000 were offered. Published criteria: graduate in the 2026–27 school year, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and plan to attend an accredited U.S. college or university; selection also considers leadership and service. The current application is closed.
National Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation award for graduating high-school seniors
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — Coca-Cola Scholars Program ↗
Primary source
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation — Coca-Cola Scholars Program ↗
Primary source
Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.