Coca-Cola Scholars is a well-known scholarship for high school seniors who have demonstrated abilities in academics, extracurriculars, and community service among other criteria. It is supported by the Coca-Cola Foundation, Coca-Cola Bottling System, and The Coca-Cola Company along with affiliates of the aforementioned. The scholarship money comes in two tiers: $20,000 and $10,000. Unfortunately, you don't get free supply of Coke products for the rest of your life. And no, you don't have to drink a lot of Coca-Cola to apply or to win, but you probably don't want to say that you are a big Pepsi fan in your essays either.

Seniors apply online during the fall (deadline around the end of October). The initial screening is broad and the application is fairly straightforward - GPA, activities, and classes are entered as accurately as possible on the online system. Most scholarships will use a similar online format since there are simply too many initial applicants for human processing. From the over 50,000 who initially apply, about 2,000 are notified of their semifinalist status during the winter.

The semifinalists must complete extensive forms and write several essays. This is your chance to list out all the activities, awards, and other impressive things that you have accomplished. Essay prompts vary; one example is "Describe how a work of art, music, dance, theater, literature, or a person has inspired you." You will also need sterling recommendations from your teachers. The scholarship selection process is not much different from college application.

From the 2,000 semifinalists, about 250 finalists are chosen to go to Atlanta, Georgia for a great time at the Coca-Cola World Headquarters. The few days in Atlanta were absolutely amazing (it's hard to imagine a free trip and VIP guest status being anything less than terrific). But if you have the chance to enjoy the experience, don't forget that there is judging in Atlanta as well. Out of the 250 finalists, 200 are selected as regional Coca-Cola Scholars and 50 are selected as national Coca-Cola Scholars. The distinction is small in name although it still makes a difference in the size of the scholarship check you receive ($10,000 vs. $20,000).

2006 Coca-Cola Scholars at a banquet with Neville Isdell, the Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company (Photo by Marc Paulo Guzman).

Although you probably have enough incentive to apply with so much money on the line, let me just give you a brief introduction of the fantastic time at Atlanta. We had an opportunity to visit the Georgia Aquarium (world's largest aquarium) and Martin Luther King's church/memorial. Moreover, we visited the World of Coke, a tremendous exhibit all about our favorite drink (I'm somewhat obligated to say that as a Coca-Cola Scholar). Most of all we drank lots of Coke products from the ordinary to the weird (who knew Coke had so many different flavors all around the world?).

On top of everything that you get to do, you also have the privilege of hanging out with 250 other brilliant, passionate, and compassionate people. The Coca-Cola Scholars mantra of "Forever Connected" certainly rings true for those of us who had the opportunity to take part in the experience.