Frito-Lay Invests $500,000 in College Scholarships for Black and Hispanic Students

Snack juggernaut Frito-Lay has partnered with the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) to help college-bound Black and Hispanic students overcome financial barriers.

Although higher education should be accessible to all, for many, attending college remains out-of-reach. According to Intelligent.com, 34% of young adults who aren’t currently enrolled in college say it’s because they can’t afford it. 

Hoping to help turn the tide, Frito-Lay has committed to invest a total of $500,000 towards need-based scholarships for select students. 100 Black or Hispanic students that are fortunate to receive the scholarship will gain up to $5,000 towards their college tuition. 

“Investing in these students means investing in tomorrow’s success. It’s a privilege to play a role in their futures,” said Steven Williams, CEO PepsiCo Foods North America.

To qualify, students must be Black or Hispanic and enrolled full-time at an accredited college based in either Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, Chicago, Detroit, Phoenix or Washington D.C.

According to this press release, this is one of the largest scholarships in Frito-Lay history and an extension of the brand’s commitment to the PepsiCo Racial Equality Journey initiative, which has set a five year goal of contributing $580 million to address issues of inequality. It’s also the first partnership between Frito-Lay and the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which has helped provide equal access to education to all Americans for 75 years.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Frito-Lay to support underrepresented groups in the communities that we call home,” said Maurice E. Jenkins, Jr., executive vice president and chief development officer, UNCF. “This partnership helps us to further act on our vision of a nation where all Americans have equal access to a college education that prepares them for rich intellectual lives, competitive and fulfilling careers and engaged citizenship.”

Applications for consideration are being accepted now until September 29th and can be submitted here.