Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship 2026 (Up to $25,000)
- Omran Aburayya
- Oct 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 16
If you’re a young dreamer ready to make your passion your purpose, the Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship 2026 is your chance to bring that vision to life. Applications are now open for passionate and creative students aged 16 to 26 across the United States who are pursuing postsecondary education. This unique scholarship doesn’t look at grades or test scores—it’s all about your story, your passion, and how you’re making a difference.
🎓 Scholarship Summary
Location: United States
Host Institution: Taco Bell Foundation
Study Level: High school graduates, college, vocational, and trade school students
Target Group: U.S. citizens and dependents of active-duty military members aged 16–26
Fields of Study: All fields are eligible — applicants are judged on passion, not major
Award Value: $5,000 – $25,000 per recipient (up to $14.5 million in total funding for 2026)
Award Duration: One year (renewable up to three times)
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026 (5:00 PM PST)
Selection Period: January 7 – April 21, 2026
Award Notification: On or around April 21, 2026
Start Date: Fall 2026
Eligible to: Legal residents of the 50 U.S. states and D.C., or dependents of active-duty U.S. military
🔔 Live Más Scholarship Overview
The Live Más Scholarship was established to empower young people to explore their passions, pursue higher education, and make an impact in their communities. Unlike traditional scholarships, Live Más focuses on your individuality and drive — whether you’re an artist, activist, entrepreneur, or innovator.
The Taco Bell Foundation aims to fuel every young person’s boldest ambition by awarding scholarships based on creativity, purpose, and the courage to live “más” — to do more and be more.
💫 Program Highlights
No GPA, test scores, or transcripts required.
No application fee.
Applicants may submit either a video (30 sec – 2 min) or an essay (250–500 words) explaining their passion, impact, and embodiment of the Live Más spirit.
Renewable scholarships: Recipients can reapply up to three times as their passion grows.
💲 Scholarship Benefits
Financial Support: Awards between $5,000 and $25,000 for tuition, books, required fees, and course materials.
Community & Mentorship: Access to a vibrant network of Taco Bell Foundation scholars, mentorship opportunities, and resources to advance your goals.
Renewable Awards: You can renew your scholarship for up to three additional years (subject to eligibility).
Flexibility: Funds may be deferred up to one year if you’re still in high school or need extra time before starting college.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
Be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. states or D.C., or the dependent child of an active-duty U.S. military member.
Be aged 16–26 as of the last day of the program period (age limit does not apply to renewal applicants).
Be on track to apply for or currently enrolled in an accredited post-high school, vocational, or trade program.
Submit an original video or essay expressing their passion and purpose.
Not have previously received a Live Más Scholarship (unless applying for renewal).
There are no GPA, standardized test, or financial document requirements to apply.
📝 Application Procedure
Prepare Your Response:
Submit one original response in video (30 seconds–2 minutes) or essay (250–500 words) format. You may include one photo representing your passion.
Address the following:
What is your passion, and how are you pursuing it?
What impact do you hope to make?
How do you embody the spirit of Live Más — taking bold, unconventional steps to reach your goals?
Submit Online: Apply through the official website before January 6, 2026 (5:00 PM PST).
Await Selection: Applications will be reviewed holistically from January 7 – April 21, 2026, with recipients notified around April 21, 2026.
Verification & Payment: Selected scholars must complete verification steps through Kaleidoscope Group before funds are disbursed directly to their accredited institution.
🗂️ Application Components
A video or essay submission (original work).
Optional photo representing your passion.
No transcripts, test scores, or financial forms are required.
💲 Use of Scholarship Funds
Scholarship funds can be used for:
Tuition and required fees
Books and learning materials
Course-specific supplies
Funds cannot be used for student loan repayment.
🧭 Renewal Program
Recipients may renew their scholarships up to three times by reapplying with an invitation code. Renewal applications focus on how your passion has grown, how your education has supported your goals, and how you continue to live the spirit of “Más.”
📆 Important Dates
Application Opens: October 14, 2025
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026
Selection Period: January 7 – April 21, 2026
Award Notification: April 21, 2026
Funds Available: Fall 2026
📞 Contact Information
For general questions: livemasscholarship@tacobell.com
For technical assistance: tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com
Official website: www.tacobellfoundation.org/live-mas-scholarship
🗂️ Resources
🚀 Final Thoughts
The Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship is not just about financial aid — it’s about amplifying voices that want to make a real difference. Whether your passion lies in art, science, social change, or entrepreneurship, this scholarship gives you the freedom to transform your dreams into tangible impact.
Applications close January 6, 2026. Dare to live más, tell your story, and let your passion open the door to your future.
