Skip to content

Our 2026 Semifinalists

Congratulations to these 1,238 students who were selected from 107,000+ applicants across the country to advance to the second phase of the Coke Scholars selection process!

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation amplifies the impact of exceptional leaders through scholarships, lifelong learning, and​ a powerful community of mission-driven changemakers.

2026 Coca-Cola Scholars Program Semifinalists

107,000+

Applications submitted from across the country

  1,238

Semifinalists selected based on academic excellence, leadership, and service demonstrated in school and community activities

1.12%

Advancement rate

A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. With the addition of the 2026 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided 7,200+ Coke Scholars nationwide with $90 million+ in scholarships since 1986.

 

Semifinalists are currently submitting their Phase 2 applications which include essays, a transcript, and a recommendation. These applications will be reviewed by an independent selection committee who will recommend 250 Regional Finalists in early January to take part in online interviews.

 

150 of the Regional Finalists will be named as Coke Scholars-select in late February and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, April 23-26, 2026, where they will be the guests of honor at the 38th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni. Upon completion of Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, they will be named official Coca-Cola Scholars and receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

 

In addition to receiving college scholarships, those students selected as Coca-Cola Scholars will be welcomed into a vibrant community of alumni that has become a powerful force for positive change in the world. Through networking, collaborations, and friendships, the group strives to make a greater impact together. Unique opportunities include a coaching program that partners seasoned alumni with first-year Scholars as they transition to college, professional and personal development programming, and a Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Summit every 5 years.