
When Andrew German was a sophomore, he had to leave college because he couldn’t afford another semester. Not attending classes, he ended up accompanying his aunt to a local Taco Bell for a job interview, serving as her translator. By the end of the meeting, the manager was so impressed that both he and his aunt were offered positions.
Less than a year into his new job, German’s manager remembered hearing him talk about running a local dance company he had started and understood the challenges he had faced during his first attempt at college. Taking both into account, she encouraged him to return to school and apply for the Live Más Scholarship, which helps students pursue their educational goals. Unlike traditional scholarships that require essays, this one is passion-based, asking applicants to submit a video showcasing what matters most to them.
“My manager saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply,” German recalled. “After my first college experience, I lacked confidence in pursuing new opportunities. But she believed in me and motivated me to take the leap, and I did.”
A few weeks later, when his manager asked to meet him—initially thinking it was about a shift lead interview—he was surprised to receive a $25,000 Live Más Scholarship instead.
German is now among over 3,000 Live Más scholars. He has progressed from a restaurant team member to an analyst at the Taco Bell Foundation, where he now oversees the Live Más Scholarship program.
How did being a Live Más Scholar shape your understanding of the Taco Bell Foundation’s mission?
“I hadn’t known about the Taco Bell Foundation until applying for the scholarship, but now I see its mission clearly: to fuel bold ambitions and inspire the next generation to Live Más. The scholarship opens doors in areas like food, arts, trades, and entrepreneurship by highlighting each recipient’s story, strengths, and dreams. Beyond financial support, it provides career resources, mentorship, and professional connections to help scholars reach their goals.
In my current role managing the program, I’ve realized that everyone has talent and potential. Our goal is to help people recognize and leverage their abilities to grow, providing resources to young individuals who might face barriers.”
Did the foundation have a major impact on your life?
“Absolutely! Receiving the scholarship kept me engaged with opportunities tied to my love of dance, including a music video cameo and national campaigns. I also attended workshops and conferences where I met Taco Bell leadership, learned about internships, and explored corporate roles. The mentorship I received was invaluable. I was guided by Zach Trail from the People & Culture team, whose story resonated with mine, helping me overcome imposter syndrome. With his encouragement and the support of Mikerra Spoon from Talent Acquisition, I applied for a corporate role. Though I didn’t get the first position, Mikerra identified another role that suited me, and with Zach’s continued guidance, I was successful. The program’s exposure and support were crucial in my career growth, affirming my belief that ‘Alone you can do so little, but together we can do so much.’”
What key lessons have you learned that others should know?
“While the scholarship isn’t limited to Gen Z, working closely with this generation—through my dance studio, volunteer work, and professional connections—showed me gaps in how organizations engage with them. I saw an opportunity to ensure our program not only included Gen Z but also addressed their needs. The most meaningful insights come from direct engagement. By involving Gen Z as collaborators rather than just recipients, we’ve created a scholarship experience shaped by their voices, resonating across generations and empowering the next one.”
Less than a year into his new job, German’s manager remembered hearing him talk about running a local dance company he had started and understood the challenges he had faced during his first attempt at college. Taking both into account, she encouraged him to return to school and apply for the Live Más Scholarship, which helps students pursue their educational goals. Unlike traditional scholarships that require essays, this one is passion-based, asking applicants to submit a video showcasing what matters most to them.
“My manager saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply,” German recalled. “After my first college experience, I lacked confidence in pursuing new opportunities. But she believed in me and motivated me to take the leap, and I did.”
A few weeks later, when his manager asked to meet him—initially thinking it was about a shift lead interview—he was surprised to receive a $25,000 Live Más Scholarship instead.
German is now among over 3,000 Live Más scholars. He has progressed from a restaurant team member to an analyst at the Taco Bell Foundation, where he now oversees the Live Más Scholarship program.
How did being a Live Más Scholar shape your understanding of the Taco Bell Foundation’s mission?
“I hadn’t known about the Taco Bell Foundation until applying for the scholarship, but now I see its mission clearly: to fuel bold ambitions and inspire the next generation to Live Más. The scholarship opens doors in areas like food, arts, trades, and entrepreneurship by highlighting each recipient’s story, strengths, and dreams. Beyond financial support, it provides career resources, mentorship, and professional connections to help scholars reach their goals.
In my current role managing the program, I’ve realized that everyone has talent and potential. Our goal is to help people recognize and leverage their abilities to grow, providing resources to young individuals who might face barriers.”
Did the foundation have a major impact on your life?
“Absolutely! Receiving the scholarship kept me engaged with opportunities tied to my love of dance, including a music video cameo and national campaigns. I also attended workshops and conferences where I met Taco Bell leadership, learned about internships, and explored corporate roles. The mentorship I received was invaluable. I was guided by Zach Trail from the People & Culture team, whose story resonated with mine, helping me overcome imposter syndrome. With his encouragement and the support of Mikerra Spoon from Talent Acquisition, I applied for a corporate role. Though I didn’t get the first position, Mikerra identified another role that suited me, and with Zach’s continued guidance, I was successful. The program’s exposure and support were crucial in my career growth, affirming my belief that ‘Alone you can do so little, but together we can do so much.’”
What key lessons have you learned that others should know?
“While the scholarship isn’t limited to Gen Z, working closely with this generation—through my dance studio, volunteer work, and professional connections—showed me gaps in how organizations engage with them. I saw an opportunity to ensure our program not only included Gen Z but also addressed their needs. The most meaningful insights come from direct engagement. By involving Gen Z as collaborators rather than just recipients, we’ve created a scholarship experience shaped by their voices, resonating across generations and empowering the next one.”