Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation Names Semifinalists for Class of 2011!

For Immediate Release

Prestigious Scholarship Program
Will Award $3 Million in April 2011

ATLANTA, November 29, 2010 – The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation has recognized 2,100 exceptional students as semifinalists for the Foundation’s Class of 2011. In April 2011, the Foundation will award $3 million in scholarships.

“As a leading scholarship provider, we recognize our role in helping young people achieve their college goals,” said Mark Davis, president of the Foundation. “With the economy continuing to affect many students ability to attend the college of their choice, it is critical that we stay the course. The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation received nearly 71,000 applications this year, and the semifinalists are truly some of the most accomplished students in the country.”

Semifinalists were chosen from an initial applicant pool representing approximately 26,000 high schools nationwide. As semifinalists, students must submit additional information that will be reviewed in January 2011 by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States. If advanced, the students will be among a total of 252 finalists who will travel to Atlanta April 14 – 17, 2011 to attend the Coca−Cola Scholars Weekend. During their visit they will attend a final interview process that will determine whether they are designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. The 50 National Scholars will each receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship. Two additional $20,000 scholarships are awarded by the Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation, including the Coca−Cola Emory Scholarship and the Sandy Williams Alumni Legacy Scholarship.

The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca−Cola Bottlers across America and The Coca−Cola Company, is one of the largest and most recognized corporate-sponsored, achievement scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. With the 2010 Class of Coca−Cola Scholars, the foundation will have awarded more than 4,700 Coca−Cola Scholars with more than $44 million in scholarships. The program was created 25 years ago in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca−Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders through college scholarships.