Here is your chance, high school seniors! The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2025 offers ambitious and service-oriented students an opportunity to receive a $20,000 scholarship, develop strong leadership skills, and become part of an elite network of changemakers. It is a merit scholarship now in its 37th year, among the most competitive and respected awards in the United States. Are you passionate about academics, leadership, and community service? Here is everything you need to know about the program, including eligibility, application, and how to be noticed.
What is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program?
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a common initiative between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers across the country to identify and support the brightest high school seniors who exhibit high academic achievement, leadership promise, and commitment to service to others.
Since its launch in 1986, the program has given out scholarships worth over 87 million dollars to more than 7 050 students nationwide. In 2025, 150 students will be awarded a $20,000 scholarship to pursue undergraduate studies at an accredited U.S. institution.
However, it does so much more than offer financial support; scholars also receive proprietary leadership development, networking, and access to a dynamic alum network across industries and continents, which persists throughout their lives.
Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2025 Benefits
The Coca-Cola Scholars award is not only about college money. This is what beneficiaries get:
$20,000 Scholarship – The funds can be used to pay tuition, books, and other educational expenses at any accredited college or university in the United States.
- Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend: This annual event combines the Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and the Leadership Development Institute and will be held on April 3 6, 2025, in Atlanta.
- Exclusive Alumni Network: Scholars would be in a cohort of 7,050+ alums who are creating positive change across the globe and provide mentorship, internship, and career opportunities.
- Leadership Development- Through alumni-run workshops, students are taught leadership skills, communication tactics, and project management tools.
Eligibility Criteria for 2025 Applicants
To apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2025, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Current Enrollment You must be a senior in high school, or a home-schooled student in the U.S., District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or certain DoD schools, who graduates in the 20242025 academic year.
- Citizenship- The applicants should be U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, permanent residents, refugees, asylees, Cuban-Haitian entrants, or humanitarian parolees under the U.S. Department of Education.
- Academic Standing – A 3.0 GPA (B average) in high school coursework is required.
- Education Plans- You have to intend to obtain a degree in an accredited U.S post-secondary institution.
- Exclusions: Not qualified: Coca-Cola children/grandchildren of current or former employees, officers, or owners (including retirees), international students who are not in DoD schools, or graduates before the 2024-2025 school year.
The Competitive Selection Process
The Coca-Cola Scholars’ Program is a competitive program whereby more than 105,000 students apply annually. It is a four-phase process to be selected based on leadership, academics, and community service:
Step 1: Online Application
- Opens August 1, 2024, and closes September 30, 2024, 5 PM ET.
- No essays, transcripts, or recommendations needed at this stage.
- Apply here: Cokeurl.com/Apply2025
Step 2: Semifinalists
- Approximately 1,200 students (1 percent of applicants) will be asked to submit essays, transcripts, and a recommendation letter in late October 2024.
Step 3 Regional Finalists
- In January and February 2025, approximately 250 semifinalists are interviewed by alums and staff.
Step 4: Selection of Scholars
- 150 regional finalists are declared Coca-Cola Scholars and invited to the Scholars Weekend in April to accept their awards.
How to Apply for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2025
Application is simple; however, preparation is the most important:
- Eligibility Check- Before applying, read the requirements.
- Note the Dates- the application period starts August 1, 2024, and ends September 30, 2024. Submission of late work is not allowed.
- Online Only Submission: The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation does not accept mailed or emailed submissions. The official portal: Cokeurl.com/Apply2025
- Get Ready for Future Stages. Phase 1 is easy, but semifinalists are required to submit essays, transcripts, and recommendations. Prepare ahead of time.
See the official site: www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org.
Tips to Stand Out in the Application Process
You are competing with many others, so you need to stand out. Here’s how:
- Emphasize Leadership Experience – describe your experiences with student government, clubs, sports, or community activities.
- Community Service Highlighting- Demonstrate volunteer work examples and quantifiable results.
- Write a good Personal Story – At subsequent stages, the essays must present your story, obstacles you have conquered, and principles.
- Select Strong Recommenders: Select a teacher or mentor who is familiar with you and can speak about your leadership qualities and character.
- Be Organized – stick to deadlines and instructions to the letter – attention to detail is essential.
The Impact of Becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar
It is not just about winning a scholarship to become a Coca-Cola Scholar, but a journey to becoming part of a legacy of leaders. Alums such as Bryan Rodriguez and Kristina Ellis have gone on to careers in finance, education, and nonprofit work, and have continued to mentor future scholars using the award as a launching pad.
Many alums also undertake influential community-based initiatives, some of which the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation further funds. The program motivates leadership that seeks service, contributing to the development of the next generation of changemakers.
Final Thoughts
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for high school seniors who excel in academics, leadership, and service. It is one of the most prestigious awards for students in the U.S with a $20,000 scholarship, leadership development training, and a global alum network.
Mark Your Calendar:
- Application Opens: August 1, 2024
- Deadline: September 30, 2024 (5 PM ET)
Would you like to become a part of this exclusive group of leaders? Don’t miss this opportunity; take your first step towards changing your future and start your application today.
