The Live Más Scholarship, from the Taco Bell Foundation, is for students ages 16 to 26 and asks for no GPA, test scores, transcripts or recommendation letters. Recent recipients received $25,000 awards. The current application runs October 13, 2026, to January 5, 2027, at 5 p.m. Pacific.
Facts here come from the foundation’s Live Más Scholarship page and its Eligibility and FAQs page, checked in November 2026.
Who is eligible for the Live Más Scholarship
New applicants must be:
- “Between 16 and 26 years of age.” The age limit does not apply to renewal applications.
- Currently enrolled in an accredited post-high school or post-secondary program, or on track to apply to one pending a high school diploma or GED.
- A legal resident of the 50 states or D.C., or a dependent child of an active-duty U.S. military member.
The age range is the wide part. Students already in community college, trade school or a four-year program can apply, as can seniors on track to enroll.
What the award pays
The program page features recipients who received “a $25,000 Live Más Scholarship.” The FAQ does not publish a fixed award amount or the number of awards, so treat $25,000 as an example, not a guarantee.
Renewal is possible. “Scholarships may be renewed up to three (3) times following the initial award,” for up to four total. Renewal is not automatic: scholars re-apply with an invitation code, and “renewal award amounts are determined each Program Period” and may be higher or lower than the original award. The foundation says its scholar network includes 3,800+ young people.
How selection works
You submit one original response, either:
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- A video of 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or
- An essay of 250 to 500 words.
The response addresses three prompts:
| Prompt | Question |
|---|---|
| Passion | What drives you? |
| Community | What has shaped you? |
| Impact | What difference do you want to make? |
Applications are judged holistically. The foundation says they “may be evaluated through human review, AI-assisted tools, or a combination of both,” with final selections made by the Taco Bell Foundation. No acceptance rate is published.
Deadlines and timeline
- Application window: October 13, 2026, to January 5, 2027, at 5 p.m. PST.
- Selection: early 2027.
- Award notifications: spring 2027.
How to make a strong application
- Answer all three prompts. Passion, community and impact are the whole rubric. One response that touches all three is the task.
- Pick the format that fits you. Video and essay are equal options. Do not make a video because you think it is expected.
- Be specific about impact. Name the difference you want to make and a step you have already taken toward it.
- Review before you submit. “You will not be able to edit your submission after submitting your application.”
- Work alone. Each applicant must submit individually, with their own original work.
- Never pay. There is no fee to apply. Any request for money is a red flag; see our scholarship scams guide.
For technical problems, the foundation lists [email protected]; for eligibility questions, [email protected].
Similar programs to consider
- The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship for community college students.
- The Coca-Cola Scholars Program, which also starts with no essay.
- The BURGER KING Scholars Program, open to students with a 2.0 GPA.
- Our adult learner scholarships guide and the scholarship finder.
Live Más Scholarship FAQ
Do I need a minimum GPA?
No. GPA, test scores, transcripts and recommendation letters are not required.
Do I have to make a video?
No. You can submit a 250 to 500 word essay instead of a 30-second to 2-minute video.
Can I apply if I am already in college?
Yes, if you are 16 to 26 and enrolled in an accredited post-secondary program.
How many times can I win?
Up to four total awards: the initial scholarship plus up to three renewals.