An In-Depth Guide

Taco Bell is a well-known American fast-food chain that is beloved for its budget-friendly Mexican-inspired menu items. In addition to tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more, Taco Bell is also known for its memorable tagline – “Live Más.” This slogan essentially encourages people to embrace life to its fullest extent.

Beyond just being a catchy marketing phrase, “Live Más” also encompasses Taco Bell’s commitment to supporting education and helping eager students achieve their goals. One meaningful way they do this is through the Taco Bell Foundation’s Live Más Scholarship program.

The History and Purpose of the Live Más Scholarship

The Taco Bell Foundation was established in 1992 as a way for the fast food chain to give back to communities and help address issues around hunger and education. Over the past three decades, the foundation has donated tens of millions of dollars to numerous causes.

When it comes to education specifically, one of their long-running flagship initiatives is the Live Más Scholarship program. This scholarship was created in 2015 to advance the foundation’s goal of unlocking opportunities for U.S. Hispanics and making higher education more accessible.

According to statistics, Hispanics trail behind other ethnic groups when it comes to pursuing and completing postsecondary degrees. Financial barriers are often a major hindrance that prevents many qualified students from pursuing their college dreams.

The Live Más Scholarship aims to help overcome this obstacle by providing monetary awards to deserving Hispanic-American students. The scholarships are meant to assist with expenses like tuition, books, housing, and more, allowing recipients to focus more on their studies rather than worrying about paying the bills.

In total, the Taco Bell Foundation has awarded over $9 million dollars worth of Live Más Scholarships since the program began. Their hope is that by investing in the higher education of Hispanic youth, more members of the community will gain skills to succeed in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society. This full ride program provides the perfect opportunity to “live más” through knowledge and personal growth.

Live Más Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Live Más Scholarship, there are certain criteria applicants must meet:

• Heritage: Applicants must be at least one-quarter Hispanic. They must self-identify as Hispanic and be able to demonstrate heritage through information on parents, grandparents, or other ancestors.
• Citizenship: Candidates must be U.S. citizens, permanent legal residents, DACA recipients, or eligible non-citizens.
• Academics: A minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for high school students applying for their first undergraduate degree. College students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA.
• Financial need: Applicants should demonstrate economic need and how this scholarship would help fulfill their career goals.
• Community service: Candidates must be involved in their Hispanic/Latinx community through meaningful volunteer work or leadership roles.
• Major: Scholarship funds can be used for any major or academic program at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university.
• Deadline: Applications for the most recent scholarship cycle were due by February 15th.

All who meet these basic criteria are welcome to apply regardless of gender, sexuality, or other personal attributes. The foundation seeks to promote inclusion through this scholarship program.

The Live Más Scholarship Application Process

Now that we’ve covered the core eligibility criteria let’s examine the step-by-step Live Más Scholarship application process:

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit the Taco Bell Foundation website and register to set up a profile. Be sure to use a valid email address you check regularly.

Step 2: Fill Out the Online Application

Provide basic personal and educational information within the online form. Prepare responses to short essay questions about yourself, your career goals, and community involvement.

Step 3: Upload Required Documents

Attach digital copies of your resume or CV, transcript, FAFSA report and letter of recommendation from a teacher/mentor describing your qualifications.

Step 4: Submit by the Deadline

Be sure to hit the “Submit” button before the application period closes, typically mid-February each year. Late submissions won’t be accepted.

Step 5: Await Decision Notification

It may take 4-6 weeks to review all qualified applications. Decisions will be sent by email, so keep an eye out in late March/early April.

Step 6: Manage your Award

If selected, you’ll need to submit proof of college enrollment. Funds are then distributed to your student account in increments each semester.

The application is straightforward but thorough. Planning ahead and double-checking that all pieces are included make for a smooth process. Reach out if you have any other questions, too!

Live Más Scholarship Award Amounts

Recipients of the Live Más Scholarship can receive substantial financial support to further their education. Here is a breakdown of typical award amounts:

• First-year students: $5,000 award for their freshman year of college.
• Continuing students: $2,500 – $5,000 for each subsequent year, renewable up to four years total or until bachelor’s degree is complete.
• Graduate students: $10,000 one-time award for a master’s degree program.

In total, long-term undergraduate scholarship winners could receive as much as $20,000 over four years of higher learning. For many students, this covers a huge portion of tuition, fees, housing, meals, and educational materials.

The scholarship aims to substantially lighten the financial load, so recipients can focus more on achieving academic excellence rather than stressing about costs. This empowering aid helps dedicated Hispanic students unlock their full potential.

Impact of Live Más Scholarships on Recipients and Communities

While the monetary value alone makes a meaningful difference, there are many other ways this scholarship program positively impacts recipients and their communities:

Boosts Academic Success

Not worrying as much about finances allows scholars to study full-time without the added pressure of multiple jobs. This enhances persistence, graduation rates, and higher GPAs.

Expands Career Opportunities

With degrees in hand, past recipients gain qualifications for higher earning jobs that help provide for their families and communities in the future. Diverse workforces are also strengthened.

Strengthens Cultural Pride

The recognition and aid advances aspirations for Hispanic youth to achieve at higher levels. This empowers members of their ethnic group and challenges stigmas or limitations some may have felt.

Strengthens Communities

As more Latinx professionals obtain advanced skills and qualifications, entire neighborhoods benefit from new resources, leadership, volunteering and economic growth potential. Communities become more vibrant and self-reliant over time.

Inspires Others

Knowing that opportunities like Live Más Scholarships exist sparks hope in younger generations that their education dreams are attainable, too. This ignites a positive cycle of empowerment that ripples outward.

Overall, the scholar’s program leaves a lasting positive legacy for individuals as well as the Hispanic-American populace on a broad scale. Communities grow stronger socially, economically, and culturally due to this investment in talent cultivated from within.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Live Más Scholarship

There are always different questions people may have when considering applying for this program or just wanting to learn more details. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked queries:

Who is eligible to apply for a Live Más Scholarship?

To qualify, applicants must be at least one-quarter Hispanic or Latinx with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen pursuing their first undergraduate degree or continuing education. See the full eligibility criteria outlined above.

What types of postsecondary programs are covered?

Funds can be applied to any major or academic program at an accredited 2-year or 4-year college/university. This includes certificates, associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Vocational/trade schools may also be eligible, depending on their accreditation.

How much financial information do I need to provide?

Applicants should attach their current FAFSA report to verify household income/expenses. Personal essays should also discuss financial need and how this award would help make higher education attainable. But no tax returns or pay stubs are required to be uploaded.

Is community service actually a requirement?

Yes, meaningful volunteer work or leadership within the Hispanic community is one of the stated criteria used during the evaluation. Candidates should be able to demonstrate how they give back and make an impact beyond themselves. Descriptions are included within essay responses.