2026-2027 Coca-Cola Merit Scholarship Recipients
Congratulations to the 2026-2027 Coca-Cola Merit Scholarship Recipients:
- Analisa Stevenson of Louisville is attending the University of Louisville, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in philosophy on the pre-law track. Analisa earned Dean’s List recognition during her first year of college and has been active in community service and leadership. As a high school student, she was selected as one of 45 students from around the world to attend the St. Albans School of Public Service in Washington, D.C., where she explored government, public policy and law. She plans to attend law school and pursue a career that allows her to advocate for and serve others.
- Brandon Rister of Quincy is attending Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology. A Dean’s List student, Brandon is working to complete his undergraduate degree in three years. He chose psychology because of his desire to help people better understand themselves and plans to gain professional experience after graduation. His long-term goal is to earn a master’s degree in psychology and pursue certification in mental health counseling, using his education and experiences to positively impact the lives of others.
- Kelsie Yates of Glasgow is attending Bluegrass Massage Institute, where she is pursuing training to become a licensed massage therapist (LMT). Kelsie earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, graduating magna cum laude, and built a career in health care that included emergency medicine pharmacy and pharmacy operations management. With support from OVR, she became a certified equine massage therapist and founded Equine Wellness Solutions. She plans to combine her health care background and massage therapy education to provide therapeutic care for both riders and horses while expanding access to therapeutic bodywork.
The Coca-Cola Merit Scholarship program reflects the continued commitment of OVR, KBE and Coca-Cola to support educational opportunities and help individuals pursue pathways to greater independence, professional growth and future success.
2026 Coca-Cola & Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Scholarships
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), in partnership with Coca-Cola, will award four (4) $5,000 merit scholarships for entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate students, who will be enrolled in accredited college or technical programs for Fall 2026. OVR, who administers the scholarship program, will award the scholarships to four (4) consumers who are legally blind, to help with educational financial needs such as tuition fees, room and board and assistive technology. The submission deadline is June 15th.
Criteria to Apply
All applicants must:
- Be a current consumer of the KY Office of Vocational Rehabilitation with an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
- Provide proof of legal blindness. (Complete the Confirmation of Legal Blindness form included on the application.)
- Provide the final year-end transcript showing a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75. This does not have to be an official transcript.
- Provide a copy of a class schedule for Fall 2026 OR if not yet registered for classes, an acceptance letter, from an accredited college or technical program for Fall 2026.
- Submit two letters of recommendation from non-family members, written within the last six months, preferably from educators such as teachers, guidance counselors or employers.
- Complete the application.
- Submit an original, 500-word essay on one of the topics listed on the application.
Submit the application form electronically and attach it, along with all other required documents, to an email and send the email to Corey Marcum at
Corey.Marcum@ky.gov no later than June 15, 2026. All documents must be labeled and submitted in PDF or Word format.
All winners will be notified by July 15th and asked to submit a photo and sign a photo release form, so they may be featured in the OVR newsletter and annual report