The $800,000, four-year grant expands mentorship and higher education access for learners worldwide.

(PRUnderground) November 6th, 2025

University of the People (UoPeople), the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited online university, proudly announces that it has received an $800,000 grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation. The multi-year grant will support the expansion of The Coca-Cola Foundation Scholars program, opening doors of opportunity for first-generation students worldwide who may not have access to higher education.

The funding will be distributed over four years, beginning with an initial $200,000 installment in 2025. This grant will enable UoPeople to provide additional scholarships, and career pathways designed to help students achieve economic mobility through higher education.

“We are deeply grateful to The Coca-Cola Foundation for its visionary support of University of the People and our mission to democratize education,” said Shai Reshef, President of University of the People. “This grant will empower thousands of students who may otherwise be left behind due to financial or structural barriers. Together, we are creating meaningful pathways for first-generation learners to build brighter futures.”

The Coca-Cola Foundation supports access to education as a cornerstone of community development, aligning closely with UoPeople’s mission to make quality higher education accessible to all. This award underscores a shared commitment to breaking down barriers, expanding access to learning, and unlocking opportunities that transform lives.

About University of the People
University of the People (UoPeople) is the world’s first non-profit, tuition-free, accredited, online American university. Dedicated to opening access to higher education globally, UoPeople provides associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and MBA programs in business administration, computer science, education, and health sciences. With more than 170,000 students from 213 countries and territories, UoPeople is leading a global movement to ensure that education is a basic right for all.

About The Coca-Cola Foundation
The Coca-Cola Foundation’s mission is to make a difference in communities around the world where The Coca-Cola Company operates and where its employees live and work. It supports transformative ideas and institutions that address complex global challenges and leave a measurable and lasting impact. Since its inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded $1.6 billion+ in grants in service of its mandate to strengthen communities across the world.

About University of the People

UoPeople provides a unique and essential opportunity for qualified high school graduates to overcome financial, geographic, political, and personal barriers to attaining higher education. Our tuition-free model offers students an affordable solution to earn a quality degree with minimal fees, which are waived if a student cannot afford them. Founded in 2009 and accredited in 2014, UoPeople currently serves more than 170,000 students from 213 countries and territories

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Original Press Release.