2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Semifinalists Announced

Two high school seniors from Kentucky and South Carolina have been named semifinalists in the 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program, competing for 150 $20,000 scholarships. The program selected 1,227 semifinalists from a national pool of more than 113,000 applicants.

Ella Grail and Claire Lu are Ames High School seniors who achieved semifinalist status. Patrick 'PJ' Hubbard Jr., a senior at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, and Malleshwar Jayaraman Suresh, a senior at The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science from Western Hills High School, were also selected. The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program plans to name 250 finalists in January 2027.

Program Structure and Selection

Semifinalists must now complete Phase 2 applications. These require essays, a recommendation, and a transcript. An independent selection committee will name 250 Regional Finalists in early January. From there, 250 semifinalists will be selected for online interviews.

The process narrows the field from 1,227 semifinalists to 150 Atlanta scholars. The program is described as the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States.

Scholars Weekend Details

In late February, 150 students will be named Coke Scholars. They will attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 15 to 18, 2027. Participants will attend the 39th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute.

Upon completion of Scholars Weekend, participants will be named official Coca-Cola Scholars. They will receive a $20,000 college scholarship.

Program Legacy and Impact

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program is a joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers and The Coca-Cola Company. It was established in 1986 to recognize students for academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

By 2027, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than $93 million in scholarships. This funding will have supported over 7,300 students across 39 years. The alumni community includes a coaching program, professional development programming, and a Leadership Summit every five years.

Student Profiles

The semifinalists have demonstrated exceptional achievement. Patrick Hubbard Jr. serves as student body vice president at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School. He founded and leads the school’s Bruins Business Club. He is president of the Fearless Individuals Reaching Excellence Squad, a regional youth coalition focused on substance use prevention. In 2026, Hubbard served as a student representative when the group received the National Group Youth Advocates of the Year Award. The Orangeburg County School District congratulated him on the national recognition.

Malleshwar Jayaraman Suresh has pursued significant research. He received a Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement grant for research on a platinum(II)-BHEP complex. He earned a Gatton Research Internship Grant to study diabetic foot ulcer healing. He participated in the Summer Science Program at The College of Wooster, conducting biochemistry research. He has presented his research in Phoenix, Arizona; Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Washington, D.C. He is preparing to represent The Gatton Academy in the Harvard/MIT Mathematics Tournament. He also serves on Gatton’s Student Development Committee, volunteers at Lost River Cave, and tutors his peers. Dr. Sam Earls, assistant director of academic services at The Gatton Academy, praised his commitment to rigorous coursework, research, and volunteering.

The Gatton Academy is Kentucky’s first residential two-year program for gifted and talented juniors and seniors. It received the 2022 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award and the Innovation Partnership Award.

Semifinalists now face the upcoming Phase 2 application process. It includes essays, recommendations, and transcripts.