Scholarships play a pivotal role in unlocking opportunities for aspiring students. Among the myriad of scholarships available, the Live Más Scholarship, backed by the Taco Bell Foundation, emerges as a unique and transformative program.
This comprehensive guide delves deep into the essence of the Live Más Scholarship, shedding light on its history, objectives, and the unparalleled support it offers to passionate young minds.
What Is The Live Más Scholarship?
The Live Más Scholarship is an initiative by the Taco Bell Foundation to support passionate students across the nation. The scholarship is not just about academic achievements or athletic abilities; it’s about harnessing the power of one’s passions and using them to make a positive impact in the community and the world at large.
The scholarship program has awarded $10 million to students nationwide. These students come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique passions, stories, and goals. Yet, they all share a common thread: a bold pursuit of their dreams and an inspiration to those around them.
To apply for the scholarship, students are required to submit a video, not exceeding 2 minutes, addressing the following questions:
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What is your passion, and how are you currently pursuing it?
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How do you plan to use your passion to uniquely make a positive change in your community or the world?
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How will your education help enable you to pursue your passion and make a change?
The video submission can range from a short film, animation, or a simple testimonial. The emphasis is not on the quality of the video but on the content that sheds light on the applicant’s passion and plans to ignite change in their community and beyond.
Who Is Eligible?
The Live Más Scholarship is open to students who are:
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Pursuing higher education.
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Preparing for the workforce.
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Using their passion to ignite change in their communities and beyond.
The age bracket for eligibility is between 16 to 26 years. The scholarship is not based on academic achievements but rather on the passion and drive of the students. In 2018, the Taco Bell Foundation introduced the Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program, which supports previous recipients in their continued educational journey. To be eligible for the renewal program, past winners must submit a 2-minute video explaining how they have furthered the pursuit of their passion since winning the Live Más Scholarship.
Benefits Of Applying For The Scholarship
The Live Más Scholarship is more than just a financial grant. It represents a commitment from the Taco Bell Foundation to be a continued partner and collaborator throughout the recipient’s journey. The foundation believes in the potential of every student, regardless of where they are in their journey. Whether they are just beginning to recognize their strengths, developing their passion, or already bringing it to life and inspiring others, the foundation is there to support them.
By receiving the scholarship, students not only get financial assistance but also gain access to connections and opportunities that can help their passion shine brightly. The aim is to empower these passionate individuals to change the world with their unique talents and visions.
Moreover, the scholarship program also offers a renewal program, ensuring that past recipients continue to receive support as they further their education and passion projects.
In essence, the Live Más Scholarship is not just about providing funds; it’s about believing in the potential of young individuals and supporting them in their journey to make a difference in the world.
Taco Bell Foundation
The Taco Bell Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth to reach their full potential through education. By connecting young people with the resources, mentors, and real-world experiences they need to excel in school and beyond, the Taco Bell Foundation is helping to create a brighter future for the next generation.
History Of The Taco Bell Foundation
The Taco Bell Foundation was established in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a primary focus on serving the youth and addressing community needs. Over the years, the foundation has made significant strides in supporting educational initiatives and career readiness programs. Here’s a brief timeline of the foundation’s milestones:
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1992: The Taco Bell Foundation was founded.
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1995: The foundation partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to bolster youth education and career-readiness programs.
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2000: In collaboration with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the foundation aided in the establishment of 71 Teen Centers.
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2009: The foundation initiated its first National Fundraiser in Taco Bell restaurants, encouraging customers to donate $1 to support youth programs.
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2015: The Taco Bell Foundation launched the Live Más Scholarship with a fund of $1 million, aiming to empower 220 of the nation’s upcoming dreamers, innovators, and creators.
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2016: The Live Más Scholarship for Restaurant Employees was introduced, awarding scholarships to 50 Taco Bell Team Members.
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2017: The “Feed a Dream” campaign was launched by Taco Bell and the Taco Bell Foundation.
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2018: The foundation introduced the Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program to continue supporting past scholarship recipients. In the same year, the foundation awarded $3 million through its scholarship programs.
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2019: The “Round Up” initiative was introduced, allowing Taco Bell customers to donate to the foundation by rounding up their total bill to the nearest dollar.
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2021: The Taco Bell Foundation fulfilled its commitment to award $21,000,000 in Live Más Scholarships, aiming to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Mission And Goals Of The Taco Bell Foundation
The Taco Bell Foundation’s mission revolves around supporting young individuals in their educational pursuits and preparing them for career readiness. Since its inception in 1992, the foundation has reached more than 4.7 million young people across the country. With a whopping $114 million awarded in grants and scholarships, the foundation’s commitment to education and career readiness is evident.
How The Live Más Scholarship Fits Into Its Mission
The Live Más Scholarship is a testament to the Taco Bell Foundation’s dedication to empowering the youth. Unlike traditional scholarships that focus on academic or athletic achievements, the Live Más Scholarship emphasizes passion, creativity, and the potential to make a difference.
By providing financial support to these passionate individuals, the foundation aims to help them pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and the world. The scholarship aligns perfectly with the foundation’s mission of supporting education and career readiness, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well-equipped to face the challenges of the future.
Award Process
To secure the Live Más Scholarship, it is crucial to first understand the award process, the agencies involved and the requirements:
Promotion Agencies Involved In The Live Más Scholarship Program
The Live Más Scholarship is a flagship initiative of the Taco Bell Foundation. While the foundation itself is the primary promoter of the scholarship, they collaborate with a scholarship management company to streamline the application and award process. Applicants and interested parties can reach out to the scholarship management company at [email protected] for technical support related to the application.
Submission Video Requirements
To apply for the Live Más Scholarship, applicants are required to submit an original video that narrates the story of their genuine passion. The video can be a short film, animation, or a straightforward testimonial. Here are the specific requirements for the video submission:
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Length: The video must be a minimum of 30 seconds and a maximum of 2 minutes in length.
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File Size: The video file should be no larger than 100 MB to ensure a successful upload to the application platform.
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Content: Videos should not contain derogatory language or anything of an inappropriate or illegal nature. Applicants should avoid including other logos, brands, or products owned by third parties without permission. If music is used, it should either be original work or in the public domain. If other people appear in the video, their permission is required.
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Submission: Videos must be submitted through the “Apply” link on the official Live Más Scholarship website during the application phase.
Selection Criteria For Scholarship Winners
The Live Más Scholarship is unique in that it is not based on academic achievements or athletic prowess. Instead, it is a passion-driven scholarship. The primary criteria for selection include:
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The applicant’s passion and how they plan to use it to make a positive impact on their community or the world.
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The potential of the applicant to bring about change and inspire others.
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The content and creativity of the video submission, which should effectively convey the applicant’s story and passion.
Awarding Of Funds To Recipients
The funds awarded through the Live Más Scholarship are intended for qualified education expenses. This encompasses tuition, mandatory fees, books, and course-specific supplies. The scholarship funds will be available in the fall of the award year and can be used to cover educational expenses for that academic year and subsequent years. For instance, funds awarded in 2023 will be available for the 2023-2024 academic year and beyond. It’s important to note that the scholarship funds cannot be used to repay student loans.
For recipients who are still in high school when they receive the scholarship, the funds can be deferred for up to one year.
Career Readiness Component Of Live Más Scholarship Program
The Live Más Scholarship Program doesn’t just provide financial support to the scholars; it also equips them with career readiness skills, a crucial component that sets this program apart.
Overview Of Career Readiness Component
The Live Más Scholarship (LMS) is not just a financial aid program; it’s a commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators. Beyond the monetary support, the scholarship aims to connect recipients with the tools and resources they need to learn, thrive, and ignite positive change in their communities.
The Taco Bell Foundation recognizes that today’s youth have diverse passions, from medicine to teaching, community service, filmmaking, and beyond. The LMS program is designed to support these varied interests, helping students prepare for the workforce and drive transformation in their communities.
Mentorship Opportunities Offered By Taco Bell Corporation And Promotion Agencies
One of the standout features of the Live Más Scholarship is its emphasis on building a community of scholars. Recipients don’t just receive funds; they become part of the LMS community, where they can connect with fellow scholars and mentors. This network offers real-world opportunities, professional networking, and even annual conferences.
For instance, Joel Bervell, a past recipient and medical student at Washington State University, was awarded $25,000 to support his passion for advancing fellow minority doctors and impacting communities of color. Beyond the financial aid, Joel, like other winners, gained access to a supportive community that can provide guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to further their careers and passions.
Benefits From Participating In Career Readiness Program
The benefits of the Live Más Scholarship extend beyond the classroom. By participating in the program, students:
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Diverse Educational Paths: The scholarship funds can be applied to a wide range of educational avenues, including community colleges, graduate programs, tech schools, and trade schools. This flexibility ensures that students can pursue the path that aligns best with their passion and career goals.
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Non-traditional Application Process: Recognizing that traditional metrics like grades and test scores don’t capture every student’s potential, the Taco Bell Foundation has designed a unique application process. Students are required to submit a two-minute video detailing their passion, the positive change they wish to bring about, and how education can help them achieve this vision. This approach allows students to showcase their creativity, drive, and vision in a way that standard applications might not.
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Community And Networking: As part of the LMS community, recipients can connect with like-minded scholars and professionals. This network can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and collaborations that can be pivotal in a student’s career journey.
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Real-World Opportunities: The scholarship program doesn’t just support academic pursuits; it also offers real-world opportunities. Through the LMS community, students can gain practical experience, attend conferences, and engage in professional networking, ensuring they are well-prepared to step into the workforce.
Securing The Live Más Scholarship
The Live Más Scholarship stands out as a beacon of hope for passionate young individuals eager to make a mark in the world. It’s not just about financial aid; it’s about recognizing potential, nurturing passion, and providing a platform for growth. The Taco Bell Foundation’s commitment to education and career readiness is evident in every facet of this program. For students seeking to turn their dreams into reality, the Live Más Scholarship offers not just funds but a community, mentorship, and opportunities that can shape their future. As we look ahead, it’s initiatives like these that will pave the way for a brighter, more innovative, and compassionate world.
Find out how to find scholarship opportunities for married college students by checking out our detailed guide. Visit Get Scholarship and browse through the available resources to learn more.
