The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship Program is funded by the Taco Bell Foundation to support students pursuing their passions and making a positive impact. The total scholarship funding for 2026 is up to $14.5 million. New applicants must be legal U.S. residents (or dependent children of active-duty U.S. military), aged 16-26, and planning to enroll or currently enrolled in an accredited post-high school program. The application involves submitting a video (30 seconds–2 minutes) or an essay (250–500 words) detailing their passion, impact, and how they embody the “Live Más” spirit. The application window is from October 14, 2025, to January 6, 2026.
Fully Funded Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Live Más Scholarship Program 2026 |
| Host Organization | Taco Bell Foundation |
| Category | Unconventional Passion & Impact Funding |
| Eligible Countries | United States & D.C. Residents, U.S. Military Dependents |
| Program Level | Post-High School (2-year, 4-year, Vocational, Trade) |
| Reward Value | Up to $14.5 Million Total Funding (Individual amounts vary) |
| Program Duration | One-time award, renewable up to 3 times |
| Application Deadline | January 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT |
Fully Funded Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship 2026 Details
The Live Más Scholarship, presented by the Taco Bell Foundation, is a unique funding opportunity built on the belief that passion and ambition should define your future, not test scores. It is dedicated to supporting individuals who embrace an unconventional path—defying the norm, turning curiosity into bold action, and creating positive change in the process.
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Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship 2026 Benefits
Tier 1: Total Scholarship Funding Pool (Up to $14.5 Million)
This tier represents the maximum available funding and the two primary recipient groups. The total scholarship pool for the 2026 cycle is a substantial sum, enabling support for a wide range of students across the country.
- New Applicants: Funding dedicated to individuals applying for the first time, covering a broad spectrum of educational paths including traditional colleges, two-year, vocational-technical, and trade programs.
- Renewal / Returning Scholars: A dedicated portion of funding reserved for previously awarded scholars who re-apply for renewal funding (up to three times total). Renewal amounts may differ from the initial award.
Tier 2: The Core Application Criteria (Passion, Impact, Live Más Spirit)
The evaluation of all applications, both new and renewal, rests entirely on three non-academic, passion-driven criteria, replacing typical metrics like GPA or test scores.
- Passion and Pursuit: Applicants must clearly articulate their passion (what fires them up) and demonstrate the specific steps they are currently taking to pursue it.
- Impact and Positive Change: Applicants must share the positive change or impact they hope to spark through their educational journey and chosen career path.
- Embodying the Live Más Spirit: Applicants must tell an authentic story connecting their educational or career goals to the “Live Más” spirit—embracing an unconventional path, taking bold action, and staying true to their unique identity.
Tier 3: Submission Flexibility (Video or Essay Format)
To accommodate varied talents and communication styles, the program offers two distinct, flexible submission formats.
- Video Submission: A brief, original video response, ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes in length, addressing the core criteria.
- Essay Submission: A written, original essay response, between 250 and 500 words, addressing the core criteria. This format allows for the inclusion of one supplementary photo representing the applicant’s passion.
Eligibility Requirements for Live Más Scholarship 2026
The program is open to applicants who meet all the following criteria for the respective application types:
- Academic/Leadership:
- Demonstrate strong passion, pursuit of goals, and commitment to making a positive impact (Live Más Spirit).
- No GPA or standardized test score minimums are required for consideration.
- Study Status:
- New Applicants: Must be on track to apply for (pending diploma/G.E.D.) or currently enrolled in an accredited post-high school/post-secondary program (two‑year, four‑year, vocational‑technical, or trade).
- Renewal Applicants: Must be a past recipient of the Live Más Scholarship.
- Visa Status:
- Must be a legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”).
- The dependent child of an active-duty member of the U.S. military is also eligible.
- Program Admission:
- New Applicants: Must be between 16 and 26 years of age at the time of application.
- Renewal Applicants: The age limit does not apply for renewal applications.
How to Apply for Live Más Scholarship 2026 (Step by Step)
The application process is straightforward, focusing heavily on the single creative submission format of your choice.
- Prepare Your Response: Choose one submission format (Video or Essay) and create your original response.
- Video: 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Essay: 250–500 words (plus one optional photo).
- Address the Core Questions: Ensure your chosen response format addresses the three main criteria: (1) Your passion and how you are pursuing it, (2) the impact you hope to make, and (3) how you embody the spirit of Live Más.
- Apply Online: Apply directly through the Taco Bell Foundation website (TacoBellFoundation.org) during the application window (October 14, 2025, to January 6, 2026). Renewal scholars must use their invitation code to re-apply.
- Notification of Award: The selection period runs from January 7, 2026, to April 21, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their award status on or about April 21, 2026.
Application Deadline: January 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the application deadline for the Live Más Scholarship 2026?
The final deadline to submit your application is January 6, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT (Pacific Time).
2. Is the scholarship only for students attending traditional four-year universities?
No, the scholarship supports enrollment in any accredited post-high school/post-secondary program, including two-year colleges, four-year universities, vocational-technical schools, and trade programs.
3. What are the age limits for new applicants?
New applicants must be between the ages of 16 and 26 years old at the time of the application submission.
4. Do I need to submit my GPA or standardized test scores (SAT/ACT)?
No, the Live Más Scholarship application is unconventional and does not require applicants to submit their GPA, standardized test scores, or financial need documentation.
5. If I am a returning scholar, do I need to re-apply?
Yes, renewal is not automatic. Returning scholars must re-apply using their unique invitation code and address the specific renewal criteria outlined in the application.
6. Can I submit both a video and an essay?
No, applicants must submit one (1) original response in ONE of the following formats: a video (30 seconds–2 minutes) OR an essay (250–500 words).
7. What does “Live Más” mean in the context of the scholarship?
“Live Más” refers to embracing an unconventional path, defying the norm, turning curiosity into bold action that lifts others, and staying authentic to who you are. The application specifically looks for stories demonstrating this spirit.
8. When will award notifications be sent out?
Award notifications will be sent to applicants on or about April 21, 2026, following the selection period that ends on that date.
9. Can the dependent child of an active-duty U.S. military member apply if they are living outside the U.S.?
Yes, the scholarship is open to the dependent child of an active-duty member of the U.S. military, regardless of their current location, as long as they meet all other eligibility criteria.
10. How many times can I renew the Live Más Scholarship?
Returning scholars can renew the scholarship up to three (3) times while they remain eligible and successfully complete the renewal application process.
