IRVINE, Calif. – October 29, 2026 -- Applications are open for the 12th annual Live Más Scholarship, with more than $13 million available for Taco Bell fans and Team Members ages 16 to 26. Individual awards are $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000, and the application deadline is January 5, 2027.
Applicants skip the GPA and test scores
The Taco Bell Foundation requires no GPA, test scores or résumés. Applicants submit either a two-minute video or a 250–500-word essay describing the passion they are pursuing, where they hope it takes them, and the difference they want to make. Recipients will be announced in Spring 2027.
A Los Angeles Team Member becomes the first 2027 scholar
Jose Q., a Taco Bell Team Member in Los Angeles, wants to study computer engineering and business. He first told CEO Sean Tresvant about that goal during one of Tresvant's restaurant training shifts in 2024. When Tresvant returned for another shift this summer, he learned that tuition costs had forced Jose to put his education on hold.
Months later, Jose was invited to a company event, where Tresvant awarded him a $25,000 scholarship as the first member of the 2027 class. Jose said he started crying when he saw the big check, and advised future applicants to never give up.
A four-time scholar designs a Taco Bell sweatshirt
Jamie M., a four-time Live Más Scholar from Phoenix, is designing a one-of-a-kind Taco Bell crewneck sweatshirt with guidance from fashion designer Willy Chavarria. Her design will be featured in the Foundation's Giving Tuesday efforts this December.
The Foundation also offers scholars mentorship, networking opportunities, career development resources and hands-on learning experiences. Part of that support comes from fans who Round Up their orders. In 2025, donations averaging 43 cents raised over $51 million for the Foundation.
Scholarships can be renewed up to three times
Since 2015, the program has awarded more than $78 million to thousands of fans and Team Members across all 50 states. The money has supported study at universities, community colleges and vocational programs, in fields including food innovation, business, fashion and design, medical advancement, and sports management.
Scholarships can be renewed up to three times. In 2025, over 95% of eligible scholars who applied for renewal received continued support.