Pepsi Scholarship (UNCF & HACU Awards) PepsiCo Foundation

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The cost of higher education is a significant hurdle facing millions of students. The PepsiCo Foundation addresses this challenge by funding diverse, high-impact scholarship programs. Unlike many corporations that offer small, one-time grants, the PepsiCo Foundation has committed $40 million over five years to support diverse students seeking degrees in high-demand fields. This comprehensive financial aid is crucial, reducing the need for high-interest student loans.

Successfully applying for these awards requires a focused strategy, as the Foundation manages these funds primarily through partner organizations. These partnerships allow the Foundation to reach specific demographic groups, ensuring the funds provide maximum impact. The two primary paths to secure PepsiCo funding are through the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Students must use these external portals to submit their applications.

This guide cuts through the complexity, providing a clear breakdown of who qualifies, what the awards cover, and the exact steps you must take to submit a competitive application. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a current graduate student, you can leverage this information to fund your education. Start preparing your documents now; the students who secure funding start planning early.

Eligible Programs

The PepsiCo Foundation primarily targets degrees and programs that align with future workforce needs in three key areas: business, technology, and health sciences.

Target Degree Levels

Undergraduate Degrees: The majority of PepsiCo scholarships are directed toward full-time students pursuing a four-year bachelor’s degree.
Graduate Degrees: Specific programs may fund Master’s degree candidates, particularly those focusing on STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or business administration.
Two-Year Degrees: The Foundation has also funded programs for students transferring from two-year community colleges, often through their partnership with the HACU.

Fields of Study

You will strengthen an application if your major falls into one of these three categories:

Business Disciplines: This includes majors like Finance, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, and Business Administration.
Technology and Engineering: Focuses on degrees such as Computer Science, Data Analytics, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.
Health and Science: This includes fields like Biology, Chemistry, Food Science, and Public Health.

Students pursuing other majors must demonstrate how their degree connects to the PepsiCo Foundation’s mission to support underserved communities.

Scholarships Coverage

The PepsiCo Foundation awards are non-dilutive, meaning they do not require repayment. The funding is intended to cover essential educational costs.

Financial Value

Average Award: Individual scholarship awards generally range from $2,500 to $5,000 per academic year.
Total Program Funding: The foundation has committed $40 million through 2025 to support thousands of students.
Duration: Many awards are renewable, allowing the student to receive funding for multiple years (up to four years) as long as they maintain the eligibility criteria.

Coverage Uses

The funds are typically flexible and can be used to cover three main costs:

Tuition and Fees: The amount is often paid directly to the university.
Books and Supplies: Students can use the funds to purchase required textbooks, lab equipment, and essential course materials.
Room and Board: The funds can help offset the cost of on-campus or off-campus housing.

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Eligibility Criteria

PepsiCo scholarships are highly competitive, requiring applicants to meet three core criteria: academic excellence, demonstrated financial need, and specific demographic or institutional affiliation.

Academic Requirements

GPA: You must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Status: You must be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university.

Demographic and Institutional Requirements

You must meet specific demographic requirements, as the majority of funds are channeled through partners:

UNCF Path: Applicants must be Black/African American students. Preference is often given to students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such as Howard University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.
HACU Path: Applicants must be of Hispanic or Latino origin. Preference is often given to students enrolled in a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI).
Location: While not strictly limited to the US, the majority of awards target students enrolled in US-based institutions.

Financial Requirements

Need: You must demonstrate financial need. This need is determined by your FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR).

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Application Process and Documents

The application process requires careful attention to detail and proactive preparation of documents. You must submit your application through the UNCF or HACU websites, not directly to the PepsiCo Foundation.

Four Steps of the Process

Search the Partner Portal: You must locate the active PepsiCo-funded programs on the UNCF and HACU websites.
Complete the Profile: Create a full applicant profile on the partner website, including academic history and contact information.
Upload Documents: Upload all required materials, ensuring every file is correct and current.
Submit the Package: You must submit the completed application package before the deadline.

Required Documents

To strengthen an application, you must submit three key documents:

Official Transcript: A sealed or electronically verified transcript showing a minimum 3.0 GPA.
FAFSA SAR: The most recent Student Aid Report to prove financial need.
Personal Statement: An essay answering the prompt, often focusing on leadership, community service, and career ambitions.

Learn our complete application documents preparation book.

Deadline

Scholarship deadlines are set by the partner organizations (UNCF and HACU) and typically occur annually.

When to Apply: The application window usually opens in the late Winter (January/February) and closes in the Spring (March/April).
Notification: Students are generally notified of their award status in the early summer.

You must start preparing your materials at least four to six weeks before the deadline to request transcripts and secure strong letters of recommendation.