Senior named 2024 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist

Oct. 25, 2023

Upper St. Clair High School senior Isaac Bernstein was recently named a 2023-24 Coca-Cola Scholar Semifinalist. Isaac is one of only 12 in Allegheny County and 84 in Pennsylvania to earn this honor. Nationally, less than two percent of all applicants were selected as Semifinalists.

“Only 1,514 Semifinalists were chosen among 103,800+ applicants this year because of their outstanding leadership, academic achievements, and dedication to their community,” Jane Hale Hopkins, president of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, said. “We believe that identifying these young leaders throughout the country and encouraging their passion for serving others not only empowers the students, but also lifts up those around them.”

Earlier this year, Isaac was selected as an 18 Under Eighteen honoree by the Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania for his efforts to support the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. As a 2023 High School Diplomat, he participated in a 10-day cultural enrichment experience in Japan last summer. Isaac has served as a peer tutor throughout high school and is an accomplished percussionist. In addition, he is a member of National Honor Society and the World Affairs Club.

Semifinalists are now asked to complete Phase 2 applications, which include essays, a recommendation, and a transcript. An independent selection committee will review the applications and recommend 250 Regional Finalists by the end of January to take part in online interviews. One hundred fifty Coke Scholars will be named in March to receive a $20,000 college scholarship and attend Coca-Cola Scholars Weekend in Atlanta, April 25-28, 2024, where they will be the guests of honor at the 36th annual Coca-Cola Scholars Banquet and participate in the Coca-Cola Scholars Leadership Development Institute facilitated by program alumni.

A joint effort of Coca-Cola bottlers across the country and The Coca-Cola Company, the Coca-Cola Scholars Program is the largest corporate-sponsored, achievement-based scholarship program in the United States. With the addition of the 2024 class, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation will have provided more than 6,900 Coke Scholars nationwide with over $84 million in scholarships over the course of 36 years.

The full list of Semifinalists is available online at www.coca-colascholars.org.