Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Increases Total Annual Scholarship Awards From $1.8 Million to $3 Million; Foundation Marks Two Decades of Helping Fulfill Educational Hopes and Dreams.

ATLANTA -- The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, a non-profit organization created to support the higher education of deserving U.S. high school seniors, marks the 20th anniversary of its founding with the increase of its total annual scholarship awards from $1.8 million to $3 million. The Foundation was originally formed in 1986 by Coca-Cola Bottlers and The Coca-Cola Company to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Coca-Cola and to establish a legacy for the education of tomorrow's leaders through college scholarships

Each year, the Foundation chooses 50 students from a group of 250 finalists to become National Coca-Cola Scholars and receive awards of $20,000 for college. The remaining 200 become Coca-Cola Regional Scholars and receive $4,000 awards. Beginning with the 2006 Class of Scholars, the 200 Regional Scholars will now each receive $10,000 awards. Since the first class of scholars in 1989, more than 3,500 young scholars nationwide have benefited from more than $29 million in scholarship awards from the Foundation.

H.L. "Sandy" Williams, Chairman of the Board of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and Chairman of Corinth Coca-Cola Bottling Works in Corinth, Miss., and Donald R. Knauss, President and COO, Coca-Cola North America made the announcement at the annual Scholars Banquet on Thursday April 6, 2006.

"Through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, we have been able to reward high-performing students for their dedication to educational achievement, leadership and service to their schools and communities," said H.L. "Sandy" Williams Jr. "On behalf of all Coca-Cola Bottlers, we thank you for the wonderful opportunity to play a role in the lives of these inspiring young people and to make this important increase in scholarship to our 200 regional scholars."

"These students embody academic excellence, a steadfast commitment to serve and the highest ideals of leadership. Our scholarships provide the scholars and their families with a financial benefit that helps them focus on fulfilling their dreams."

Since its inception, the Scholars Foundation has also expanded its program to include the student population at two-year institutions. Each year, the Foundation awards 50 outstanding community college students (one from each state) $2,000 each and 350 community college students $1,000 each. Funding for the Coca-Cola Two-Year Colleges Scholarship Program is made possible with a gift from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has also awarded the Educator of Distinction award every year since 2000. This award recognizes 250 educators who have made a difference in the lives of the newest class of Coca-Cola Scholars. Each Scholar nominates an inspiring educator to become their Educator of Distinction. This award is also made possible through a grant from the Joseph B. Whitehead Foundation. The late Joseph B. Whitehead was one of the original bottlers of Coca-Cola.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation is located in Atlanta at The Coca-Cola Company Worldwide Headquarters and is one of the most recognized and respected corporate scholarship programs in America. The Foundation is governed by a nine-member Board of Directors headed by H.L. "Sandy" Williams, Jr. For more information, call 800.306.COKE or visit the Foundation's website at www.coca-colascholars.org.