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First-Generation Students Coca-Cola Scholarship

Download Application and Reference Form

Scholarship Requirements 

Eligibility Criteria

First-generation is defined as “neither of your biological parents/guardians received a four-year college degree. The First-Generation Students Coca-Cola scholarship is an opportunity only available to Clayton State students.

Admission Requirements

  • Applicants MUST be admitted to Clayton State to qualify for this opportunity.
  • Appointed scholars must be enrolled full-time and consecutively at Clayton State University for the duration of the scholarship to remain eligible for the award.

If you have not applied to Clayton State University, use the links below to apply for admission. If you’ve already been accepted to Clayton State University, please continue with the next requirement.

Current Clayton State University Students 

  • Be enrolled full-time undergraduate students seeking a degree at Clayton State University
  • Submit completed application including student's purpose essay and two completed letters of recommendation. Required to be fully completed before applicant will be considered. 
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Maintain a semester GPA of at least 3.0 or above each semester in the program.
  • Engage with assigned cohort for the duration of the awarded program.
  • Attendance and participation in specific scholarship events throughout the year
  • Updated resume approved by Career Services
  • Completed FAFSA
  • Award recipients will compose a Thank You letter to Coca Cola, the scholarship supporter referencing the scholarship by name, your current field of study, the cohort you will be engaged in and your college/career goals/aspirations.

Clayton State University Incoming Freshman and Transfer students

  • Students will be registered through orientation throughout the summer at Clayton State University
  • Be pursuing a bachelor’s degree at in the Clayton State University
  • Have an overall high school grade point average of at least 3.5.
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above for transferring students.

Term of the Award

As part of the First-Generation Coca-Cola Scholarship program, you will receive

  • $5,000 per year intended to cover tuition and fees (awarded over 2 semesters Fall/Spring)
  • Ability to participate in a distinct cohort in specific academic fields combining in-class and outside-the-classroom partnerships with industry companies in the metro Atlanta area.

Semester Criteria

  • Students must be enrolled as full-time undergraduate students with a minimum of 12 CSU credit hours each fall and spring semester. CSU highly recommends that students complete a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester to ensure they are awarded the full amount of your scholarship for the following year. Note: (complete at least 30 semester credit hours by the end of the academic year and prior to the next academic year.)

Application Checklist

All application items below must be submitted via email to launchpad@clayton.edu. Please put “First-Generation Students Coca Cola Scholarship Application – YOUR FULL NAME” in the subject line when submitting materials. Any questions, please contact launchpad@clayton.edu.

  • Two (2) letters of reference are required for each applicant and are due to the scholarship committee by July 15th.
  • Coca Cola Scholarship application essay must be no more than two pages in length, double spaced, 12-point font; should be a strong example of your ability to communicate effectively in writing and cover the following:
    • Your reasons for applying for the Coca Cola Scholarship.
    • Strengths/experiences that make you a unique/valuable addition to the program.
    • Experiences related to the industries (paid or volunteer)
    • Leadership roles, achievements, accomplishments, and special skills (multi-lingual, research experiences, involvement in community engagement)
    • Professional plans after graduating from Clayton State University with your Bachelor’s degree

Recommended Resources

  • Applicants are encouraged to meet with their Admissions Advisor prior to applying. During the admissions process, admission advisors help match interests to the appropriate program of study, assist in successfully navigating the application process, and direct potential students to useful campus resources such as financial aid. For new and transfer students, the registrar’s office can review transcripts and determine whether additional coursework is necessary for admission to Clayton State.
  • Make an appointment with The Writer’s Studio for assistance with and proofreading of your application essay.
  • Make an appointment with an Academic Coach from the Center for Academic Success to assist with creating a timeline to complete application components.
  • Meet with Career Services for interview assistance and to create/update your resume.
  • Note: If you are chosen for an interview a resume will be required at the time of the interview. 

Deadline Coca Cola Scholarship Application Deadline:  July 15th. **Note: All required documents for the application are due by this date.  Incomplete applications will not be reviewed or processed.