Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation

2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalists Announced — 1,227 Students Compete for $20,000 Scholarships

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has announced 1,227 semifinalists for its 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, selected from more than 113,000 applicants across the United States. The candidates will advance to the second phase of the selection process, competing for 150 scholarships worth US$20,000 each. ## About the announcement The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has announced the semifinalists for its 2027 scholarship programme, recognising high school seniors who have demonstrated leadership, community service and a commitment to making a positive difference. A total of 1,227 students were selected from more than 113,000 applications submitted nationwide. According to the Foundation, approximately 1.08% of applicants advanced to this stage of the competition. The programme is one of the United States' major achievement-based scholarship initiatives. Established in 1986 through a collaboration between The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola bottlers, it recognises students for their leadership, academic achievement and service to their schools and communities. The 2027 competition will ultimately select 150 Coca-Cola Scholars, each receiving a US$20,000 college scholarship. ## What happens next? Semifinalists must complete the second phase of the application process. The Phase 2 application includes essays, an academic transcript and a recommendation. An independent selection committee will review the submissions and recommend 250 finalists in early January 2027. Those finalists will participate in online interviews as part of the next selection stage. In February 2027, 150 finalists are expected to be named Coca-Cola Scholars-select. They will be invited to attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 15 to 18, 2027. The event will include the 39th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute, facilitated by programme alumni. After completing Scholars Weekend, the participants will be officially recognised as Coca-Cola Scholars and receive their US$20,000 college scholarships. ## Four semifinalists highlighted The supplied report highlights four students whose academic, leadership and community activities have helped distinguish them in the national competition. **Ella Grail — Ames High School, Iowa** Ella Grail is a senior at Ames High School in Ames, Iowa. She is among the students listed on the official 2027 semifinalist roster. **Claire Lu — Ames High School, Iowa** Claire Lu, also a senior at Ames High School, has been named a semifinalist. Both students represent the same Iowa high school in this year's national competition. **Patrick “PJ” Hubbard Jr. — Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, South Carolina** Patrick Hubbard Jr. is a senior at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg, South Carolina. According to the supplied report, Hubbard serves as student body vice president and founded and leads the school's Bruins Business Club. He is also president of the Fearless Individuals Reaching Excellence Squad, a regional youth coalition focused on substance-use prevention. In 2026, he served as a student representative when the coalition received the National Group Youth Advocates of the Year Award. His selection highlights the role of student leadership and community involvement in the programme. **Malleshwar Jayaraman Suresh — The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, Kentucky** Malleshwar Jayaraman Suresh is associated with The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky and attends Western Hills High School. The supplied report describes his involvement in scientific research, including work on a platinum(II)-BHEP complex and research related to diabetic foot-ulcer healing. He has also participated in research programmes, presented his work at academic events and contributed to volunteering and peer tutoring. His activities reflect a combination of scientific inquiry, academic engagement and community service. The four students are among the 1,227 semifinalists listed by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. Their inclusion does not mean they have already secured the final scholarship. ## What is the Coca-Cola Scholars Program? The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is an achievement-based scholarship programme for high school seniors in the United States. It considers students' leadership, service and impact on their schools and communities. The Foundation was established in 1986 and has continued to support students through scholarships and a wider alumni network. The organisation reports that, with the addition of the 2027 class, it will have supported more than 7,300 Coca-Cola Scholars with more than US$93 million in scholarships since the first awards in 1989. Beyond the financial award, the alumni network provides opportunities for mentoring, professional and personal development, collaboration and leadership activities. ## Scholarship value and benefits Each of the 150 students selected as a 2027 Coca-Cola Scholar will receive a **US$20,000 college scholarship**. Selected scholars will also gain access to the Foundation's alumni community and its development opportunities, including a coaching programme that connects experienced alumni with first-year scholars. The scholarship is intended to support college education. It is not a general application opportunity for international students worldwide; the programme is designed for eligible high school seniors in the United States. ## Can students still apply? The public application for the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program is closed. The students currently moving through Phase 2 are those who were selected as semifinalists from the original applicant pool. Students who did not apply for the 2027 competition should monitor the Foundation's official website for the next application cycle and review the eligibility rules before applying. The official Phase 2 instructions are intended for semifinalists and should not be confused with a new public application period. ## Important dates - **2027 semifinalists announced:** October 2026. - **Phase 2:** Essays, transcript and recommendation submitted by selected semifinalists. - **Early January 2027:** Expected announcement of 250 finalists. - **February 2027:** Expected selection of 150 Coca-Cola Scholars-select. - **April 15–18, 2027:** Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia. - **After Scholars Weekend:** Selected participants become official Coca-Cola Scholars and receive their US$20,000 scholarships. The Foundation's official website should be checked for any updates to the selection schedule. ## Official sources **2027 semifinalist announcement and complete list:** https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/2027-semifinalists/ **Coca-Cola Scholars Program:** https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/

Source verification date: October 25, 2026. This is not a guarantee that the opportunity remains open.