Unconventional Path to Success: The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship

The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship offers a unique opportunity for young people aged 16-26 who are passionate about making a difference. Unlike traditional scholarships that focus on academic achievements like GPA or test scores, this scholarship celebrates "doers, dreamers, and cultural rebels" who embody the spirit of "Live Más." The program supports individuals pursuing higher education or workforce preparation and using their passions to ignite positive change in their communities and beyond.

What "Live Más" Means

"Live Más" means embracing an unconventional path to your goals, defying the norm, and turning curiosity into bold action that lifts others while staying true to yourself. It's about pursuing your passions with determination and using them to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Scholarship Overview

The Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship is more than just financial aid; it's a gateway to a community of over 3,000 young individuals who are actively pursuing their passions. The Taco Bell Foundation has committed to giving away a significant amount to help students pursue their passions. The scholarship aims to empower young people who have the ideas and drive to move the world forward.

Eligibility and Requirements

The Live Más Scholarship is open to students between the ages of 16 and 26. Applicants must be "on-track to apply for (pending receipt of a high school diploma or G.E.D." There are two primary scholarship tracks: the Live Más Scholarship and the Live Más Scholarship for Restaurant Employees, as well as a renewal option for previous winners.

General Eligibility Criteria:

Age: Applicants must be between 16 and 26 years old.
Education: Applicants must be on track to apply for higher education (pending receipt of a high school diploma or G.E.D.).
Passion and Drive: Applicants must demonstrate a clear passion and a desire to use it to make a positive impact.

Live Más Scholarship:

Employees of the Taco Bell Foundation, Taco Bell of America, LLC, Taco Bell Corp., its parent, subsidiaries of its parent, franchisees, licensees, and the advertising and promotion agencies involved with the Taco Bell Scholarship are not eligible.

Read also: Foundation Scholarship Details

Live Más Scholarship for Restaurant Employees:

Applicants must be employees of Taco Bell of America, LLC, Taco Bell Corp., or any of its franchisees or licensees. They must have a minimum of three months of continuous service in positions such as Team Member, Trainer, Shift Leader, Assistant General Manager, or Restaurant General Manager.

Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program:

To qualify, you must have previously been awarded a Live Más Scholarship. Prior awards must be used or substantially depleted (approximately 75% or more) by the end of the selection period.

Application Process

The application process focuses on showcasing your passion and personality through a creative video or essay. Forget about lengthy paper applications and lists of achievements. The Taco Bell Foundation wants to learn about you and your story.

Video Submission:

Create an original video (30 seconds to 2 minutes) that tells the story of your real, driving passion.
The video can be a short film, animation, or a simple testimonial.
Ensure the video is no larger than 100 MB for successful upload.
Focus on showcasing your passion, impact, and how you embody the spirit of "Live Más."

Essay Submission:

Write an essay (250-500 words) addressing your passion, the impact you hope to make, and how you embody the spirit of "Live Más" in your everyday life.

Key Questions to Address:

What is your passion, and how are you currently pursuing it or planning to pursue it?
How do you plan to use your passion to make your community, country, or world a better place?
How do you embody the spirit of "Live Más" in your everyday life?

What the Selection Committee Looks For

The selection committee is looking for passionate individuals who are making a real difference in their communities. They want to see your personality, your drive, and your commitment to living life to the fullest.

Highlight Your Passion:

Put your passion front and center. Let your enthusiasm shine through in your video or essay.

Be a Trailblazer:

Show that you are a "passioneer" who is willing to put yourself out there and make a difference.

Personal Presentation:

Share your personal story in an emotionally inspiring and authentic way.

Tips for Creating a Standout Application

Be Authentic: Let your true personality shine through in your video or essay.
Show, Don't Tell: Use examples to illustrate your passion and impact.
Highlight Your Uniqueness: What makes you different? What unique perspective do you bring to the table?
Connect with "Live Más": Demonstrate how you embody the spirit of "Live Más" in your everyday life.
Study Past Winners: Review the Taco Bell Foundation's blog for inspiration and insights from previous scholarship recipients.
Just Go For It: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and apply.

Renewal Opportunities

Previous Live Más Scholarship winners can apply to renew their scholarships for up to three additional years. Renewal applicants must demonstrate how their passion has grown or evolved, the change they've made or hope to make, how their education has supported their goals, and how they continue to embody the spirit of "Live Más."

Scholarship Funds and Usage

The funds from the Live Más Scholarship are to be used for qualified education expenses. Scholarship funds are available beginning in Fall and may be applied to the academic year and beyond while you remain eligible. You may defer the use of the funds for up to one year. Funds are paid on your behalf to your accredited institution after you complete required verification steps with the scholarship management provider (Kaleidoscope). That’s okay, as long as your new school or program remains accredited and eligible.

Inspiration from Past Winners

Siena Laws, a Live Más Scholarship recipient, used the scholarship to pursue her passion for firefighting. She joined her local Fire Explorer program and became an inspiration to other young women. Matthew Sugiyama, another recipient, used his personal story of advocacy to spread awareness of senior fraud.

Read also: Unlocking Scholarship Potential

Uriel, a Taco Bell Team Member and Live Más Scholarship recipient, plans to study biomedical engineering to make a difference in the world of prosthetics.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The application phase for all Taco Bell Scholarship Programs typically runs between November and January. Check the Taco Bell Foundation website for the most up-to-date information on application dates and deadlines.

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