Taco Bell Foundation Launches 12th Annual Scholarship
Students across the U.S. can now apply for over $13 million in education funding.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Scholarships
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The Taco Bell Foundation has officially launched its 12th annual Live Más Scholarship, offering more than $13 million to support the next generation of students. The program is open to applicants between the ages of 16 and 25 residing in the U.S.
Why it matters
The program distinguishes itself by removing traditional academic requirements like GPAs or test scores in favor of a focus on personal passions and goals. By removing these barriers, the foundation aims to provide financial support to students who demonstrate unique potential beyond standardized metrics.
Eligible applicants can compete for individual scholarship awards of $5,000, $10,000, or $25,000. These awards are renewable up to three times, with 95% of previous recipients successfully securing renewals.
The players
Taco Bell Foundation
This charitable organization focuses on empowering youth by providing scholarships and funding for educational and career development programs.
The details
Applicants must submit a two-minute video or a 250-500 word essay detailing their goals and passions. The entire initiative is funded through customer round-up donations at Taco Bell locations, which generated over $51 million in 2025.
Timeline
The Live Más Scholarship program originated in 2015.
Customer round-up donations raised over $51 million in 2025.
The 12th annual scholarship program was announced in October 2026.
Students must submit their applications by January 5, 2027.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the growing trend of passion-based admissions that challenge traditional reliance on standardized testing. It marks a departure from legacy scholarship models by prioritizing individual storytelling over institutional academic achievement.
Interested students should prepare their video or essay content early to meet the January deadline. Because the application does not require a GPA or resume, the primary time investment involves crafting a compelling narrative about personal goals.
The takeaway
Students should leverage their unique life experiences when applying, as the committee prioritizes personal vision over academic history. Applicants are encouraged to start their submissions now to ensure they meet the upcoming January cutoff.
Further reading
Learn more about accessible education funding opportunities on our Scholarships page.
Live Poll
Do you prefer that scholarships be awarded based on passion projects rather than academic performance?
