Coca-Cola Scholars Program — $20,000 (National Leadership Scholarship)

About This Opportunity

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is one of the most competitive and prestigious national scholarships, awarding $20,000 one-time scholarships to approximately 150 high school seniors each year. Unlike purely grade-focused scholarships, Coca-Cola Scholars emphasizes leadership, character, and community impact — the foundation specifically looks for students who have made a meaningful difference in their schools, communities, or organizations. There is no minimum GPA requirement, though accepted students are typically very high-achieving. DACA recipients are explicitly eligible (as are U.S. citizens and permanent residents). The scholarship can be used at any accredited U.S. college or university. Becoming a Coca-Cola Scholar also brings access to the broader scholar alumni network and recognition that carries significant weight in job and graduate school applications. About 4,000 candidates advance to the semifinalist stage from roughly 100,000+ applicants — the selection process is multi-stage. The application opens in August with an October deadline. Omaha and Council Bluffs students are eligible.

Who Can Apply

High school senior. U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient. No minimum GPA stated (but highly competitive — strong academic records typical among recipients). Strong record of leadership, community service, and extracurricular involvement required. Plan to enroll full-time at accredited U.S. undergraduate college or university. Apply at coca-colascholarsfoundation.org. Application opens August annually.