Renewal Program
Once a Live Más Scholar, Always a Live Más Scholar.
As a returning Scholar, you’ve already proven what it means to Live Más — to chase your passion, create change, and bring your boldest dreams to life. But this is just the beginning.
The Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program is your chance to keep the momentum going — to build on what you’ve started, push your vision further, and continue growing into the leader, creator, or innovator you’re meant to be.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL JANUARY 5, 2027, 5 PM PST!
Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program Eligibility
The Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program is for previous recipients who meet all of the following criteria:
- Applicant must be a 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.
- There is no age restriction for applicants of the Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program.
- Applicant must have previously received a Live Más Scholarship through the Live Más Scholarship Program or the Live Más Scholarship Restaurant Employee Program and must not have reached the maximum of four (4) total awards.
- Applicant must be currently enrolled and in good academic standing in an accredited post-secondary educational or master’s/graduate program located in the 50 United States or D.C., including accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities, vocational-technical schools, and trade schools.
- Any awarded amounts from a previous Live Más Scholarship must have been used or substantially depleted (75% or more) by January 5, 2027, 5PM PST.
- 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.
Applicant must be willing to work with the Taco Bell Foundation’s Scholarship Management Company throughout the application and award process.
See Terms & Conditions for complete details.
How to Apply
Apply online at TacoBellFoundation.org during the application window and enter the renewal code you were provided in your unique invitation email. For help, contact tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com.
Submit one (1) original response in ONE of the following formats:
- Video (30 seconds–2 minutes)
- Essay (250–500 words). You may include one photo that represents your passion.
Your response should address:
- Passion: Since receiving your first Live Más Scholarship, how has your passion grown or changed? Tell us about one specific moment from the past 12 months that shows where your passion is today, and one thing you did to keep pursuing it. What did you do, and what did you learn?
- Community: Tell us about a community that matters to you. Since receiving your first Live Más Scholarship, share one specific experience in that community that helped shape who you are or how you show up for others. What happened, and what changed for you?
- Impact: Who or what have you already helped or hope to make a difference for through your passion, education, or career? Since receiving your first Live Más Scholarship, share one specific step you’ve taken toward creating that impact. What change have you made or hope to make, and what do you plan to do next?
- Live Más Scholarship Journey: Since you were first awarded a Live Más Scholarship, how has the scholarship supported your education, passion, or personal growth? Share one specific example.
For application help, email tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com. Be sure to mention you are applying for the Taco Bell Foundation Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program.
Application & Selection Process
There will be one application, selection and award period per year:
Application window: October 13, 2026 to January 5, 2027 (5:00 PM PST)
Selection period: January 6, 2027 – April 27, 2027
Award notifications: On or about April 27, 2027
For questions regarding scholarships, please contact livemasscholarship@tacobell.com
FAQS
For additional eligibility questions regarding the Live Más Scholarship, email us at livemasscholarship@tacobell.com.
For technical difficulties with the application, email our scholarship management company at tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com or click the Help button on the application page
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?
New Applicants are evaluated holistically based on (1) their passion and how they’ve pursued it, (2) a meaningful community experience and how it has shaped them, (3) the impact they’ve made or hope to make, and (4) financial need. Other factors, including educational paths and geographic locations, may also be considered. Applications may be evaluated through human review, AI-assisted tools, or a combination of both, with final scholarship selections determined by the Taco Bell Foundation. See the Terms and Conditions for complete details.
Renewal Applicants are evaluated holistically based on (1) how their passion has grown or changed since receiving their first Live Más Scholarship, (2) a community experience that has shaped them or how they show up for others, (3) the impact they’ve made or hope to make and the steps they’ve taken toward it, and (4) how the Live Más Scholarship has supported their education, passion, or personal growth. Applications may be evaluated through human review, AI-assisted tools, or a combination of both, with final scholarship selections determined by the Taco Bell Foundation. See the Terms and Conditions for complete details.
Do you consider financial need?
Yes. For 2027, financial need is considered as one factor for new applicants.
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. If selected, you may be asked for additional information during verification.
SUBMISSION
Do you accept mail-in submissions?
No. All applications must be submitted online via www.TacoBellFoundation.org while the application period is open.
How do I apply?
Submit an original video or essay that shares the story of your passion, a community that has shaped who you are, and the impact you’ve made or hope to make. Tell us why your passion matters, how you’ve pursued it, and the difference you want to create.
Your video can be a short film, simple testimonial, or animation, between 30 seconds and 2 minutes in length. If you choose to submit an essay, it must be between 250 and 500 words. See the Terms & Conditions for complete guidelines.
My friend and I want to create a joint submission; can we submit as a team?
No. Each applicant must apply individually and submit their own original work.
Are there content rules for my video/essay?
Yes. Your submission must be your original work 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.
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 tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com.
I need additional help with my application. Who can I contact?
For questions on your application, please contact tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com.
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 (New Applicants only) and meet the eligibility guidelines outlined in the Terms and Conditions, you may apply. If selected, you may use the funds at your current accredited program. (Note: age requirement does not apply to Renewal Applicants).
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.
For more info visit Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program →
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 your original work or in the public domain. See Terms & Conditions for additional Application Guidelines.
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 2027 and may be applied to the 2027 – 2028 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 and eligibility details 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 tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com 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 more info visit Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program →
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 tacobell@mykaleidoscope.com. 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.