Are you a high school senior who wants to make a positive impact in your community and the world? Do you have a passion for leadership and service? If so, you might be eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2023 in US, one of the most prestigious and competitive scholarships in the country.
The Coca-Cola Scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship program that awards 150 students each year with a $20,000 college scholarship. The scholarship is funded by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company.
Coca-Cola Scholarship 2023 in US
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation supports more than 1,400 exceptional college students each year, with annual scholarships of $3.55 million awarded through three nationally recognized programs: The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship, The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program, and The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Program.
In this article, we will focus on the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship, which is open to high school seniors who will graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year. We will provide you with the full details and information about this scholarship, including the eligibility requirements, application process, selection criteria, benefits, and deadlines.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria.
- Be a current high school (or home-schooled) student attending a school in the U.S. (or select DoD schools) who will graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year
- Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee – based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of your junior year of high school
- Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
- Not be children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Company divisions or subsidiaries
Application Process
The application for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is available online from August 1 to October 2, 2023. You can access the application at https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/.
The application consists of four sections: General Information, Academic Information, Activities Information, and Essays. You will need to provide information about your personal background, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, honors and awards, and future goals. You will also need to write four short essays (300 words each) on the following topics:
- Describe your most significant challenge or accomplishment and how it has shaped who you are today.
- Describe your long-term goals and how you plan to achieve them.
- Describe an example of your leadership in action.
- Describe how you have demonstrated commitment to improving your community.
You will also need to upload an official transcript that shows your grades from freshman year to junior year. You do not need to submit any letters of recommendation or test scores.
The deadline to submit your application is October 2, 2023 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. You will receive an email confirmation once your application is submitted.
Selection Criteria
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is highly selective and competitive. Less than 1/6th of 1% of applicants are chosen to receive this award. The selection process consists of four stages:
- Stage One: All applications are reviewed by an independent selection committee based on academic excellence, leadership and service demonstrated in school and community activities.
- Stage Two: Approximately 2,000 applicants are selected as Semifinalists in mid-November and are notified by email and mail. Semifinalists must complete an additional online application that includes more essays, self-reported grades, courses and transcripts.
- Stage Three: Approximately 250 applicants are selected as Regional Finalists in late December and are notified by email and mail. Regional Finalists participate in online or in-person interviews with regional interview committees in late January or early February.
- Stage Four: Approximately 150 applicants are selected as National Scholars in late February and are notified by email and mail. National Scholars receive a $20,000 college scholarship and attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta in April.
The selection committee evaluates applicants based on their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities. They look for students who are well-rounded, involved, innovative, passionate, curious, resilient, optimistic, and inspiring.
Benefits
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship is more than just a financial award. It is also an opportunity to join a family of 6,750+ alumni who are leading positive change in their communities and around the world.
As a Coca-Cola Scholar, you will receive the following benefits:
- A $20,000 college scholarship that can be used at any accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
- A trip to Atlanta for the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend, where you will meet other Scholars, participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni, and be honored at the Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet
- Access to a network of Coca-Cola Scholars and alumni who can provide mentorship, guidance, support, and opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Invitations to regional events and activities hosted by Coca-Cola Scholars and alumni
- Invitations to the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit every five years, where you can reconnect with your cohort and other Scholars, learn from experts and speakers, and engage in service projects
- Opportunities to apply for additional scholarships and grants offered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and its partners
- Opportunities to share your story and impact with the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and the public through social media, podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and media outlets
Deadlines
Here are the important dates and deadlines for the Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship 2023:
- August 1, 2023: Application opens online
- October 2, 2023: Application closes at 5 p.m. Eastern Time
- Mid-November 2023: Semifinalists are notified by email and mail
- December 1, 2023: Semifinalist applications are due online
- Late December 2023: Regional Finalists are notified by email and mail
- Late January/Early February 2024: Regional Finalists participate in online or in-person interviews
- Late February 2024: National Scholars are notified by email and mail
- April 13-16, 2024: National Scholars attend the Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta
Conclusion
The Coca-Cola Scholarship 2023 in US is a prestigious and competitive scholarship program that awards 150 high school seniors each year with a $20,000 college scholarship and a lifetime membership in the Coca-Cola Scholars family. The scholarship is open to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service in their schools and communities, as well as academic excellence.
If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, you should start preparing your application as soon as possible. You will need to provide information about your personal background, academic achievements, extracurricular activities, leadership roles, community service, honors and awards, and future goals. You will also need to write four short essays on topics related to your challenge or accomplishment, long-term goals, leadership in action, and commitment to improving your community.
The application deadline is October 2, 2023 at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. You can access the application at https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/.
We hope this article has provided you with the full details and information about the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2023 in US. We wish you all the best as you endeavor to continue your education and make a positive impact in the world.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the Coca-Cola Scholarship 2023 in US, along with their answers:
Q1: How many students apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship each year?
A1: According to the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation website, more than 91,000 students applied for the Coca-Cola Scholarship in 2022. The number of applicants may vary slightly each year depending on the size of the graduating class.
Q2: How do I know if I am eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?
A2: To be eligible for the Coca-Cola Scholarship, you must meet the following criteria.
- Be a current high school (or home-schooled) student attending a school in the U.S. (or select DoD schools) who will graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year
- Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, U.S. Permanent Resident, Refugee, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrant, or Humanitarian Parolee – based on the guidelines utilized by U.S. Department of Education for Federal Financial Aid eligibility
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of your junior year of high school
- Plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution
- Not be children or grandchildren of employees, officers or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company, Company divisions or subsidiaries
Q3: How do I apply for the Coca-Cola Scholarship?
A3: The application for the Coca-Cola Scholarship is available online from August 1 to October 2,