• by Teresa Buyikian , October 15, 2025

Taco Bell is back with its annual Live Más Scholarship program for 2026, and students can enter either via video or in writing to win a portion of the $14.5 million prize.

Now in its 11^th year, the scholarship is designed to support young people ages 16-26 in “pursuing their passion through education.” That “education” can take various forms, from trade schools to creative endeavors, with Taco Bell encouraging students to “follow their passions and create a future that's uniquely their own.”

"Every year we are blown away by the creativity, passion and unstoppable spirit of Live Más Scholarship applicants," says Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation, in a statement.  "As careers become less linear and more personal, the Live Más Scholarship champions a generation of young people who carve their own way and define success on their own terms."

This year students have the option to submit either by two-minute video or a new written response option, giving students “the chance to express themselves in a way that feels true to who they are…. some applicants shine on camera, others through words, but both formats put authenticity over perfection," according to the company.

The scholarship is now open to submissions, which will be accepted until Jan. 6.

Winners, who will be announced at the end of April 2026, will receive awards of $5,000, $10,000 or $25,000 per student, as well as access to mentorship and career-building resources. Winners are eligible to apply for a scholarship renewal up to three times, with $35 million in renewal scholarships awarded since the scholarship began.

Over 3,000 students have received more than $64 million since the Live Mas Scholarship launched in 2015. Funds are raised through customer donations by rounding up their orders to the nearest dollar. Over the past decade, scholarship applications have increased over 150%.