Stellar Students and Now Coca−Cola Scholars Semifinalists

For Immediate Release:

ATLANTA, November 2009 – Students at high schools across the country have been selected as Semifinalists in the 22nd class of the Coca−Cola Scholars Program. The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation, a joint effort of Coca−Cola Bottlers across America and The Coca−Cola Company, is one of the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship programs of its kind in the United States. With the 2010 class, more than 4,500 young scholars nationwide will have benefited from just over $41 million that the Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation has provided. The program recognizes a diverse group of extraordinary high school seniors who have demonstrated academic and civic excellence in their schools and communities.

Each Semifinalists ranks with approximately 2,200 high school seniors who are in the running for $3 million in college scholarships that the Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation will award in spring 2010. Students are selected to advance to this next phase based on the level of academic excellence, leadership and achievement demonstrated in school and community activities.

“The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation received more than 69,000 applications this year, and the Semifinalists are truly some of the brightest students in the country,” said Mark Davis, President of the Foundation. “We’re delighted to have such a bright and talented pool of students to consider for our 22nd class.”

As Semifinalists, students must submit additional information that will be reviewed in January 2010 by a committee comprised of 30 educators from high schools and universities throughout the United States. If advanced, students will be among a total of 250 Finalists who will travel to Atlanta March 25 – 28, 2010 to attend the Coca−Cola Scholars Weekend. During their visit they will attend a final interview process that will determine whether they are designated as either a National or Regional Scholar. The 50 National Scholars will each receive a $20,000 scholarship award, while the 200 Regional Scholars will receive a $10,000 scholarship.

The Coca−Cola Scholars Foundation was created in 1986 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca−Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow’s leaders through college scholarships.