Taco Bell is giving away $13M in scholarships — and you don’t need a GPA to apply

Taco Bell is offering students the chance to score scholarship money — and a GPA isn’t required to apply.

The Taco Bell Foundation’s 12th annual Live Más Scholarship aims to help Gen Z and Gen Alpha students fund their academic passions, according to a press release. The foundation has awarded more than $78 million in scholarships since 2015.

This year, thosebetween the ages of 16 and 26 can apply for scholarships of up to $25,000. No GPA or test scores are required.

Instead, the Taco Bell Foundation is asking for a two-minute video or short essay. Students who apply are encouraged to speak or write about their passions, the community that has shaped them, and the impact they strive to make.

Applications will remain open through January 5, 2027.

More information can be found on the Taco Bell Foundation’s website.

The Foundation’s annual offering comes as Taco Bell has undergone a number of brand and menu changes.

In September, it was reported that Taco Bell was still struggling to pull customers back after it was connected to the Cyclospora outbreak over the summer that caused more than 20,000 people to fall ill across the country.

The chain was among those that used iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms, which was identified as the source of the outbreak by the federal government.

Taco Bell pulled many of its ingredients, including the iceberg lettuce, early on during the outbreak, but its identification as a potential vector for the illness resulted in a major decline in traffic from which it has yet to fully recover, according to Restaurant Business Online.

In response, Taco Bell launched several promotions to draw visitors back, such as a $1 Enchirito offer — those usually run about $4.29 — and $1 Mexican pizzas, which typically cost around $5.69.

Earlier this year, the brand made changes to some fan-favorite menu items.

Fajita Street Chalupas and Chicken Fajita Nacho Fries were launched in June, adding fresh, seasoned peppers and onions to two beloved menu staples.

The company said the additions allow Taco Bell to adapt a more labor-intensive Tex-Mex dish into an easy, quick option for diners.

“After years of testing and fan feedback, Taco Bell landed on a portable new take that keeps the bold peppers, onions and savory flavor fans love — without turning the meal into a whole production,” Taco Bell wrote in a press release.