Live Más Scholarship 2026 Applications Close; Millions Available to All Applicants

Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship application window has closed, and applicants who applied by the Jan. 6, 2026 deadline are now in line for a share of millions in scholarship funding and nonfinancial supports. The program, open to U.S. residents and military dependents ages 16-26, provides awards intended to cover tuition, required fees, books and course materials for trade, two-year, four-year, vocational and other accredited programs.

The Live Más Scholarship is notable for being open to both Taco Bell Team Members and the general public, although Team Members historically capture a significant share of awards and the Foundation earmarks some funds specifically for restaurant employees. The foundation has previously declared award pools in the double-digit millions and lists individual award amounts of $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000. Winners may also be eligible for renewal awards in subsequent years and access mentorship and career resources as part of the Live Más community.

Selection and verification begin now that the application window has closed. The Foundation notes that award selections take place after applications are submitted and that notifications and disbursements are typically announced in the spring and carried out in the summer cycle. Scholarship dollars are paid directly to educational institutions for qualified expenses; the program is not intended to pay down existing student loan principal.

Funding for the Live Más Scholarship comes from a mix of corporate partnerships and customer-driven initiatives such as checkout round-up donations. Beyond cash awards, recipients gain access to mentoring and career-development tools the Foundation makes available, which Taco Bell has positioned as a pathway for Team Members seeking upward mobility within the company or credentials that translate beyond restaurants.

For managers and recruiting teams, the Live Más Scholarship remains a recurring, company-adjacent benefit to highlight in hiring and retention conversations. The Foundation’s scholarship pages and FAQ carry the full eligibility details, required documentation and application text, and they provide contact emails for applicant help. Restaurants that want to encourage staff participation can share those resources and remind eligible employees about renewal opportunities for multi-year funding.

With selections underway, applicants should watch for award notifications in the coming months and prepare any verification documents the Foundation may request. For managers, the next step is simple: keep scholarship conversations active during onboarding and reviews, and flag eligible crew who could use the financial and career support the Live Más Scholarship is designed to deliver.