By Basant El-Faramawy
The Taco Bell Foundation has opened applications for its 12th annual Live Más Scholarship, offering a total of $13 million to students aged 16 to 26. Unlike traditional awards, the program does not require a minimum GPA or test scores. Instead, applicants submit a two-minute video or short essay describing their passions, the community that shaped them, and the impact they hope to make.
Scholarship Details and Eligibility
Individual awards reach up to $25,000 each. Applications remain open through January 5, 2027, and can be submitted via the Taco Bell Foundation’s website. Since its launch in 2015, the foundation has distributed more than $78 million in scholarship funds to Gen Z and Gen Alpha students pursuing academic and career goals.
Company Context Amid Recent Challenges
The scholarship announcement comes as Taco Bell works to recover from a summer Cyclospora outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms. The incident sickened over 20,000 people nationwide and led to a sharp drop in customer traffic, according to Restaurant Business Online. In response, the chain introduced promotional deals such as $1 Enchiritos and $1 Mexican pizzas, alongside new menu items including Fajita Street Chalupas and Chicken Fajita Nacho Fries launched in June.
