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.
Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program Eligibility
The Live Más Scholarship Renewal Program is open to 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 won a Live Más Scholarship through the Live Más Scholarship Program or the Live Más Scholarship Program for Restaurant Employees and not reached the maximum of four (4) Live Mas Scholarships.
- Applicant must be currently enrolled in an accredited post-secondary educational program located in the United States or D.C. (including accredited two- and four-year colleges, universities, vocational-technical, and trade schools) and in good academic standing.
- Any awarded amounts from a Previous Program must have been used or substantially depleted (75% or more) prior to the 2026 Program Period.
- 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:
- What is your passion, how are you continuing to pursue it, and how has it grown or changed since receiving your first Live Más Scholarship?
- What change are you hoping to make or have you made with your passion or career path since being awarded your Live Más Scholarship?
- How has your post-secondary education supported your passion and goals?
- How do you embody the spirit of Live Más in your everyday life?
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 14, 2025 to January 6, 2026 (5:00 PM PST)
Selection period: January 7, 2026 – April 21, 2026
Award notifications: On or about April 21, 2026
Total scholarship funding in 2026: Up to $14.5 million
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.
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.
SUBMISSION VIDEO
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 submission; 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 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 Renewal?
Yes, as long as you 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. (New Applicants must be within the age range of 16 to 26).
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). In some cases, funds may be paid directly to the recipient upon approval. 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 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.
For questions regarding scholarships, please contact livemasscholarship@tacobell.com