Quick Facts
• Application window: October 14, 2025 – January 6, 2026 (5:00 PM PST)
• Selection: January 7 – April 21, 2026 (approx.)
• Award notifications: On or about April 21, 2026
• Total scholarship funding in 2026: Up to $14.5 million
Who is Eligible
The Live Más Scholarship Program is open to individuals who meet the following criteria:
New Applicants:
• Legal resident of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia (“D.C.”) located within the United States or D.C., or the dependent child of an active-duty member of the U.S. military;
• Between 16 and 26 years of age; and
• On track to apply for (pending receipt of a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent) or currently enrolled in an accredited post-high school/post-secondary program (two‑year, four‑year, vocational‑technical, or trade);
See Terms and Conditions for complete details and rules.
Renewal/Returning Scholars:
• You can renew up to three (3) times while eligible.
• Renewal is not automatic – re-apply with your invitation code
• Renewal award amounts may differ
See Terms and Conditions for complete details and rules.
How to Apply
Submit one (1) original response in ONE of the following formats:
• Video (30 seconds–2 minutes), or
• Essay (250–500 words). You may include one photo that represents your passion.
New applicants: Your response should address: (1) your passion and how you are pursuing it, (2) the impact you hope to make, and (3) how you embody the spirit of Live Más in your everyday life. Live Más means embracing an unconventional path to your goals – defying the norm, turning curiosity into bold action that lifts others while staying true to who you are.
Apply online via the “Apply” link at TacoBellFoundation.org during the application window. For help, contact [email protected].
Renewal applicants: Your response should address: (1) how your passion has grown or evolved since receiving your first Live Más Scholarship, (2) the change you’ve made or hope to make with your passion or career path, (3) how your education has supported your goals, and (4) how you continue to embody the spirit of Live Más in your everyday life. Live Más means embracing an unconventional path to your goals – defying the norm, turning curiosity into bold action that lifts others while staying true to who you are.
If you have received a Live Más Scholarship in the past, you may apply to the Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program and enter the renewal code you were provided in your unique invitation email.
Program Overview
What is the Live Más Scholarship?
The Live Más Scholarship is designed for students ages 16-26, who are pursuing higher education, preparing for the workforce, and using their passion to make positive change. The Live Más Scholarship provides more than just funding: scholars gain access to mentorship, career-building resources, and a community that helps them turn ambition into lifelong opportunity.
Does it cost money to apply?
No, there is no fee to apply.
How are recipients selected?
Applicants are evaluated holistically by trained reviewers, focusing on (1) your passion and pursuit of it, (2) the impact you aim to make, (3) how you embody the spirit of Live Más, and (4) financial need. As the Live Mas Scholarship Program seeks to support young people who demonstrate a range of passions and goals, reviewers may also consider other factors in the selection process. See the Terms and Conditions for more details.
Do you consider financial need?
Yes. For new applicants in 2026, financial need is one factor that will be considered in the selection process, but financial need is not a requirement and scholarship recipients may include individuals who do not demonstrate financial need.
Do I need to submit FAFSA or tax documents to apply?
No. You do not need to upload FAFSA or tax documents with your application. You may be asked to verify your financial need at a later date.
What financial information do you ask for?
We ask you to self-report your household Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from your IRS Form 1040.
• Look on IRS Form 1040, Line 11 (Form 1040/1040-SR).
• If you filed jointly: use joint AGI on Line 11.
• If you’re a dependent: use your parent/guardian(s)’ AGI (add both if they file separately).
• If you didn’t file last year: use the most recent return you have.
• If you didn’t file a return: provide your best estimate using W-2s/1099s/pay statements or benefit letters.
You don’t need to upload documents with your application, but we may request verification at a later date.
Submission
Do you accept mail‑in submissions?
No. All applications must be submitted online via www.TacoBellFoundation.org during the application window.
How do I apply?
Submit an original video or essay that tells us the story of your real, driving passion, the impact you want to make with it and how you embody the spirit of Live Más. Your video can be a short film, simple testimonial, or animation, with a maximum length of 2 minutes (minimum of 30 seconds). If you choose to submit an essay, it must be between 250 and 500 words in length. If you submit an essay, you may include one photo that represents your passion. See Terms & Conditions for complete guidelines and rules.
My friend and I want to create a joint video; can we submit as a team?
No. Each applicant must apply individually and submit their own original work.
I missed the deadline; can I still apply?
In order to be fair to all applicants, we do not accept applications submitted after the application window closes. Please start and submit your application early to avoid missing the deadline.
Are there content rules for my video/essay?
Yes. Your submission must be your original work, created without the use of generative artificial intelligence tools, and should not include obscenity, hate speech, or illegal/inappropriate content. Do not include other people, logos, or copyrighted music/content without permission. See the Terms & Conditions for the full guidelines and rules.
Is there a GPA or test‑score requirement?
No. GPA, test scores, transcripts or recommendation letters are not required to apply.
Accessibility—can I request an accommodation?
Yes. If you need an accommodation or alternate format to complete your application, email [email protected].
Eligibility
I’m already enrolled in college. Am I still eligible to apply for the Live Más Scholarship?
Yes, as long as you are within the age range of 16 to 26 years and meet the eligibility guidelines outlined in the Terms and Conditions, you may apply. If selected, you may use the scholarship funds for qualified education expenses at your current accredited program.
Is this scholarship just for employees?
No. It is open to both Taco Bell restaurant employees and non‑employees.
I previously won a Live Más Scholarship; can I apply again?
Yes. Previous recipients may apply to the Renewal Program (by invitation with a renewal code). Prior awards must be used or substantially depleted (approximately 75% or more) by the end of the selection period. You can receive up to four total Live Más Scholarships (initial + renewals). See Terms and Conditions for complete details and rules.
I completed an application, but I want to make changes to my submission. Can I resubmit?
No, you will not be able to edit your submission after submitting your application. All submissions are considered final.
Can I use music in my video?
You may not use music that is copyrighted and owned by a third party without permission. All music must be used with permission, be your original work or in the public domain. See Terms and Conditions for complete guidelines and rules.
Use of Scholarship Funds
What can the scholarship be used for?
The funds from the Live Más Scholarship are to be used for qualified education expenses. This includes tuition, required fees, books, and course-specific supplies.
If I am chosen for a scholarship, when can I use the funds?
Scholarship funds are available beginning in Fall 2026 and may be applied to the 2026 – 2027 academic year and beyond while you remain eligible. You may defer the use of the funds for up to one year. See Terms & Conditions for complete guidelines and rules.
Can I use the scholarship to pay for student loans?
No. Live Más Scholarship funds are to be used for qualified education expenses. This includes tuition, required fees, books, and course-specific supplies.
How are funds paid?
Funds are paid on your behalf to your accredited institution after you complete required verification steps with the scholarship management provider (Kaleidoscope). Instructions will be included in your recipient email.
What if I change schools or majors?
That’s okay, as long as your new school or program remains accredited and eligible. Email the scholarship management provider at [email protected] to update your records.
Renewal Scholarships
Can Live Más Scholarships be renewed?
Yes. Scholarships may be renewed up to three (3) times following the initial award, until you complete your post‑secondary education. Renewal is not automatic: you must re‑apply each Program Period (if eligible). Renewal award amounts are determined each Program Period in Sponsor’s sole discretion, including by reference to the applicable scoring criteria, and may be higher or lower than your original award.
For Minors and High School Students
I am a minor and the instruction email has not been sent to my parent or legal guardian’s email address yet.
Please have your parent or legal guardian check their Spam folder within their email mailbox and/or email our scholarship management company at [email protected]. Be sure to mention you are applying for the Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship.
What happens if I win and I’m still in high school?
If awarded a Live Más Scholarship while still in high school, a recipient may have their funds deferred up to one year.