The Taco Bell Foundation has announced a record $14 million in Live Más Scholarships as it marks the program’s 10th anniversary.
Among this year’s recipients is Uriel M., a Taco Bell Team Member planning to study biomedical engineering at the University of Southern California, with a focus on developing accessible prosthetics for low-income communities.
The Live Más Scholarship, established by the Taco Bell Foundation, awards funding to students based on their passions and goals rather than test scores or GPAs. Since its launch, the foundation has awarded more than $64 million to over 3,000 students nationwide.
This year’s scholarship recipients span fields such as food science, emergency medicine, business, and engineering. Scholarship amounts range from $5,000 to $25,000 per recipient, with the possibility of renewal for up to four years.
Uriel’s journey into biomedical engineering was shaped by personal experience. After his brother was injured during a tornado, losing a leg while protecting him, Uriel was inspired to pursue the design of better prosthetic devices.
After receiving his award at his workplace, Uriel plans to continue his education and research. His story reflects the broader aim of the Live Más Scholarship to empower students with purpose-driven ambitions.
A record $4.5 million of this year’s scholarship funding is going directly to Taco Bell Team Members. In addition to Uriel, other notable recipients include Siena L., who plans to study nursing at Texas A&M University after dedicating years to firefighting training, and Ricarda Urso, an inaugural Live Más Scholarship recipient who remains involved with the foundation’s community initiatives.
Lisa Lane Cardin, executive director of the Taco Bell Foundation, says, “What’s inspired me most at the Taco Bell Foundation is the incredible ambition of our scholars, especially our Team Member recipients. They are true go-getters—thriving at work, pushing themselves in school, and still finding time to chase their passions with unmatched drive and heart. All of our scholars truly know what it means to Live Más.”
Since its first awards in 2015, the Live Más Scholarship has grown significantly. The program began with $1 million in total scholarships and 6,000 applications. In 2025, more than 15,000 applications were submitted.
The Live Más Scholarship offers more than financial aid. Selected students gain access to mentorship, career workshops, internships, and networking opportunities. This structure aims to create a purpose-driven community focused on long-term success.
Ricarda Urso, reflecting on her experience as part of the inaugural class, says, “The scholarship wasn’t just a one-time opportunity—it became a part of my life’s mission, a constant reminder that I’m part of something bigger than myself. The Foundation’s impact doesn’t stop with the scholarship—it’s a lasting movement, one that motivates me to keep pushing forward and to pay it forward in whatever way I can.”
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