Overview of the Coca-Cola Scholars Program

coca cola ksu logo
In the Fall of 2018, the first cohort of the Coca-Cola First Generation and underrepresented students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholars program (Coca-Cola Scholars Program) was established at Kennesaw State University. 

The cohort of eligible thirty-five incoming KSU students were identified through an application and rigorous selection process to participate in this scholarship program.  The requirements as a participant are as follows:

  • Be and maintain enrollment as a full-time undergraduate at KSU
  • Demonstrate financial need when entering the program as determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid
  • Be eligible to receive the HOPE Scholarship upon admission
  • Maintain a minimum adjusted GPA of 2.75 at KSU
  • Identify as a First-Generation college students matriculating in any major or as an Underrepresented student in a STEM major

The goal of the program is to provide financial assistance and student support services as scholars progress toward degree completion.

Coca-Cola Scholarship Program

Participants accepted into the Coca-Cola Scholarship Program receive $5000 annually for four to five years, depending on the required length of their selected degree program. Since participants must be HOPE-eligible, the scholarship funds are intended to supplement the HOPE funding and can be used for tuition, fees, books, and other academic related expenses.

Through this program, students have access to additional funding for education abroad, undergraduate research and/or experiential learning.  With these funds, scholars are encouraged to choose the experience which best suits their major and personal circumstances. 

Scholarships are not transferable to another institution.

Future Cohort

Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholar Program will be recruiting a cohort for the Fall of 2024 semesters. More details will follow on applications and the recruitment process will available sometime in January

Kennesaw State University intends to continue their partnership with the Coca-Cola Company and its Foundation and plans to have future cohorts.  Information on potential recruiting of new scholars will be shared once plans are confirmed.

Annual Mentoring Dinner

The Kennesaw State University Coca Cola Scholars and 26 campus and community leaders met for the Second Annual Mentoring Dinner in October. The mentoring dinner allowed each student to network one-on-one with a campus or community leader, while increasing their confidence and refining their communication skills.  Special guests included Carlos Pagoaga from The Coca Cola Company and Kennesaw State University Provost Kathy Schwaig.  The KSU Coca Cola Scholars are first-generation college students currently in their third year, representing majors in seven colleges at the university.