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Taco Bell Foundation Marks a New Era in Education Support

The Taco Bell Foundation has taken a bold step into the future by awarding an astonishing $14.5 million to its largest class of Live Más Scholars in history. This significant investment not only demonstrates the foundation's commitment to education but also highlights the ambition found within the diverse passions of over 41,000 applicants. As the foundation enters its second decade of supporting education, the momentum continues to grow, showcasing the shifting narrative around what constitutes merit in scholarship awards.

A Passion-Driven Scholarship Experience

At its core, the Live Más Scholarship aims to celebrate and uplift Taco Bell fans and team members alike. By prioritizing passion over academic grades or conventional resumes, the foundation is keen to foster a new generation of innovators and courageous thinkers. Morgan Tabor, Executive Director of the Taco Bell Foundation, expressed excitement over this growth, saying, “Growth like this tells us we're building something that resonates far beyond a traditional scholarship.”

For the first time, applicants were given the option to submit a video or an essay to convey their aspirations, resulting in a nearly tripling of applications compared to previous years. This strategic change enabled many to express their creativity and enthusiasm, paving the way for a richer pool of candidates.

Inspiring Young Scholars

Among the remarkable recipients is Mariah C., who dreams of a career in architecture, inspired by her father’s craft. Recognizing the barriers women face in this field, Mariah aims to bring change and has already begun her journey by volunteering to construct community projects. Her determination recently earned her a $25,000 scholarship which she was surprised with at her workplace.

Twin sisters Leslie and Ashley D., also recipients of the scholarship, have harnessed their unique challenges to inspire action and leadership among their peers. Leslie has pioneered the Birdie Club Golf Shop, a nonprofit designed to provide youth golfers with necessary resources, while Ashley has swiftly taken to aviation despite partial hearing loss. Each twin received their scholarships during school celebrations, further fostering community and support around their achievements.

Engaging Scholarship Announcements

The Taco Bell Foundation reinforces its innovative spirit not just through scholarships, but through creative announcement strategies such as pop-up surprises in classrooms and surprise reveals during shifts for employees. In addition to heartfelt messages from Taco Bell executives and celebrity endorsements, the foundation opened the doors for Live Más Lab, where selected applicants could pitch solutions to real business challenges at headquarters, simultaneously earning scholarships.

This dynamic approach emphasizes that scholarships are not merely financial aid but gateways into an enriching community fostering creativity, mentorship, and professional development. Caitlyn H., a 2025 recipient, remarked, “The community, connection, and opportunities to network have given me a lot of advantages as I pursue a career in medicine.” The insight gained from engaging with others in her field has made a significant impact on her journey.

A Commitment to Community and Growth

In addition to the Live Más Scholarships, the Taco Bell Foundation is doubling down on its community support through its Community Grants program. The organization disbursed $28 million in 2025 and is aiming to surpass this figure based on the collective contributions made to the Round Up program by its enthusiastic fans.

Since its inception in 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has reached over 13 million young individuals, providing more than $246 million in scholarships and grants aimed at overcoming education barriers and aiding in career development.

As Taco Bell continues to cultivate a diverse pool of ingenious thinkers and ambitious doers, the foundation stands as a beacon of empowerment. For many, this initiative is more than just a scholarship; it's a lifeline, fostering a community of bold visions and transformative ideas that will shape the world.

For further information about the Taco Bell Foundation and its initiatives, please visit www.tacobellfoundation.org.