Four Live Más Scholarship applicants, including two Taco Bell Team Members, were invited to Taco Bell Headquarters in Irvine, California, to compete in a culinary creation competition for a chance to win a $25,000 scholarship – or so they thought.
After a tour of the headquarters and a meet and greet with Taco Bell’s Food Innovation Team, students were asked to use their passion for food innovation to create a dish using Taco Bell’s ingredients live in the test kitchen. During the judging portion of the competition, they were surprised by Taco Bell Chief Marketing Officer, Taylor Montgomery and Chief Food Innovation Officer, Liz Matthews, with their $25,000 scholarships.
Learn more about these impressive scholars and what it was like for them to receive the surprise of a lifetime.
Meet The Scholars
Jayden V. | Birmingham, AL
Jayden, a Taco Bell Team Member from Tacala, gives back to his community as a mentor and role model. He spends his free time public speaking and on community projects. He plans to attend the University of Alabama, and study project management and culinary arts.
Kayara O. | Fontana, CA
For Kayara, food is her love language and how she expresses herself. After several years of experimenting with recipes, she aspires to further her education in the culinary industry by attending culinary school. She is also a Taco Bell team member with Diversified Restaurant Group!
Julia D. | Gilbertsville, PA
Inspired by her love for food and agriculture, Julia has made it her mission to promote fresh and quality ingredients that are safe to eat. She is currently studying food science at Penn State University and hopes to use her degree to continue her work in food integrity.
Luvin L. | Burbank, CA
As a first-generation college student, Luvin is combining his passion for food with his business degree to chase all of his culinary dreams. From starting a social account to help local businesses during the pandemic to using food to build community, Luvin is looking forward to continuing to inspire change through food.
The Taco Bell Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity. For more information visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.