The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, or CCSF, exists to bring better to the world through investment in exceptional students who are dedicated to leadership, service, and action that positively affects others. It is a non-profit organization that works on behalf and at the direction of the Coca-Cola system to provide scholarships to some 1,400 students annually in amounts totaling over $3.4 million each year. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has the stated mission to "provide scholarship programs and enrichment opportunities in support of exceptional young peoples' thirst for knowledge and their desire to make a difference in the world." Since its inception in 1986, CCSF has awarded over $73,000,000 in scholarships through 3 nationally recognized programs. According to CCSF, however, their vision is much broader than just helping fund a college education. They aspire to "develop an influential community of socially conscious and service-minded leaders, connected by Coca-Cola, who positively shape the world."
History
As Coca-Cola was approaching its centennial in 1986, leaders in the bottling industry decided to make a large financial gift that then became the Coca-Cola Scholars Program. In its first year, 150 graduating seniors planning on attending college were awarded four-year grants. Later, those grants grew into $20,000 scholarships for 50 students annually and $10,000 scholarships for another 200 students annually. Now, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $20,000 grants to 150 rising college freshman annually. Coca-Cola Scholars often refer to their bond with other Scholars fondly, calling themselves a "family" or a "community," frequently engaging in service activities, networking receptions, and offering internship and employment opportunities to younger Scholars.
Selection
Typically, the Foundation receives between 85,000 and 110,000 applications, from which around 2,000 are selected as Semifinalists. Regional representation across the United States is considered in this step. The 2,000 Semifinalists are then asked to complete a written application to select approximately 250 Regional Finalists. From this stage, Regional Finalists complete interviews with prior recipients and CCSF staff after which 150 Coca-Cola Scholars are selected. Coca-Cola Scholars are invited to Atlanta for Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend, where they participate in a Leadership Development Institute to further develop their leadership skills, tour local landmarks, engage with Coca-Cola Scholar alumni, and participate in a group community service project. The Scholars are also the guests of honor at the annual Scholars Banquet, where they are celebrated by representatives from the Coca-Cola system, educators, local dignitaries, and sponsors.
Eligibility
In order to be eligible for a Coca-Cola Scholars Program scholarship, one must be a current high school or home-school senior planning to graduate from a school or program in the United States during the academic year in which application is made. Additionally, students must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Nationals, U.S. Permanent Residents, Temporary Residents, Refugees, Asylee, Cuban-Haitian Entrants, or Humanitarian Parolees. Furthermore, they must plan to pursue a degree at an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution and carry a minimum 3.00 GPA at the end of their junior year of high school. Applicants may not be children or grandchildren of employees, officers, or owners of Coca-Cola bottling companies, The Coca-Cola Company or any other bottler or Company divisions or subsidiaries.
