First Generation Scholarships

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What are First Generation Scholarships?

First generation scholarships are awards for students who are the first in their family to go to college. The NCES defines first generation college student as those whose parents never enrolled in post secondary education.

To qualify for a scholarship as a ‘first generation’ or ‘first scholar’, neither of your parents:

  • Obtained a certificate or college degree
  • Earned an associate degree or more advanced degree
  • Attained a bachelor’s degree or a more advanced degree
  • If neither parent nor a sibling has ever enrolled in or attended college

Apart from your ‘first’ status, there tend to be other rules about eligibility in place. An acceptable GPA and financial need (defined by your FAFSA application) are common. Also, volunteer work and leadership qualities are important to earn a first generation scholarship. There are scholarships for first generation minority groups too. For these, the provider may specify you must identify with a certain race or ethnicity.

There are also scholarships for low income, underserved students. So, cast a wide net while also focusing on ones with ‘first gen’ in the title. Take the American Indian College Fund for instance. They sponsor the Coca Cola First Generation Scholarship. It is a $5,000 annual, nonrenewable award for American Indian and Alaska Native college students. Some providers also offer first generation scholarships to students in local state or communities. These tend to ask for proof of residency and like others, your citizenship status.

Who Offers Scholarships for First Generation Students?

An example of first generation scholarships is the Regent’s Scholar Program which is available at Texas A&M University. It provides up to $6,000 per academic year. To qualify, you need to be the first in your immediate family to pursue a college degree. Additionally, student’s family income must be under $40,000 according to the FAFSA. So, there is additional application form and high school transcript to submit. The scholarship is renewable up to a max of eight semesters. Recipients must be in good standing with their academics to renew this scholarship.

The First Generation Grant is available at University of Colorado, Boulder. It is a $2,000 award or $4,000 if living on campus for the first year only. To qualify, you must be either an incoming freshman or transfer student and a Colorado resident.

You must also fill out a FAFSA and be someone whose parent(s) or legal guardians do not have a bachelor’s degree. If you qualify, you can apply for the grant through the CU Boulder Scholarship Application. As the season is closing, you should check with CU Boulder prior to the fall season for the deadline date.

Organizations that Help First Generation Students

There are many state and federal agencies with programs in place to help first generation scholars. Some of these organizations may also offer first generation scholarships.

Beyond 12
A national nonprofit founded in 2009. Their mission is to increase the number of low income first-gen and underserved students who graduate from college. To do this, they have several programs in place including a “MyCoaching” App. 

College for Every Student, Brilliant Pathways
CFES is a nonprofit that aims to help underserved youth prep for, gain access to and succeed in college. They now work with rural and urban schools in 24 states. Each school will work with low income youth, many of whom are first gen students.

First Scholars
The Firsts scholars model blends a business mindset with college student success strategies. It intends to have a national impact and boost the graduation rate of first generation students. They also empower students to build self awareness.

Questbridge
An internet platform that connects bright students from low income backgrounds with colleges. As a facilitator, they hope to see an uptick in the number of low income students who attend college.

College Greenlight
A website that connects first generation and underrepresented students to colleges. They allow students to connect with counselors and mentors as well. To use the tools, you need to create a College Greenlight profile.

Strive for College
The UStrive platform connects you to a mentor online who can walk you through the college application process. While they do not offer first generation scholarships, your mentor can guide you to ones that may suit your goals. They also power the I’m First online network of first gen students.

Why First Gen Students Should Apply for a Scholarship?

A first generation scholarship or grant can take some of the stress out of paying for college. So, unlike a loan, scholarships don’t need to be repaid as long as you follow the terms. Studies by the National Center for Education Statistics show that 51% of first scholars rely on financial aid. Many first generation students work full time while enrolled in school. However, many students in a first generation situation never make it to college.

Apart from the financial help, there is another possible benefit. Once you graduate, a college degree may open up job opportunities and earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that having a college degree boosts lifetime earnings. In fact, workers with a bachelor’s degree may earn twice as much as those who finished high school.

List of First Generation Scholarships

Check out our list of first generation scholarships below. We have awards worth .

UW-Eau Claire Blugold Promise-Sundstrom Scholarship

Non-traditional and first generation incoming students to the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire who have earned no more than 30 college credit hours and graduated from a Wisconsin high school are eligible for this award. Students must demonstrate financial need; preference is given to students from Durand High School.
Award Amount

Total: $1500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: December 01

Orange County Scholarship

This scholarship is for female undergraduate students who have resided in Orange County, Vermont, for at least one year, and who demonstrate financial need and education/work ethic. Students must face significant barriers that limit access to education after high school; preference is given to students who are among the first generation in their families to attend college. Applications are available from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) website. Applications may be completed either online or in paper form beginning on November 1. Please note: The student is only required to submit one application for all scholarships for which he/she wishes to apply. In addition, if a particular document is required for more than one scholarship, the student need only submit one copy of that document. To apply, the student must complete and submit the VSAC Unified Scholarship Application and submit the following materials: a letter of recommendation; an essay; and official transcripts. NOTE: Required additional materials MUST conform to the detailed instructions in the VSAC Scholarships Booklet. The student is highly encouraged to review the booklet thoroughly when assembling materials. Electronic applications and any digital versions of supplemental materials must be submitted by midnight on the deadline date. Paper applications or any supplemental materials in paper form must be postmarked by the deadline date.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: January 20

David M. Rubenstein Scholarship

The David M. Rubenstein Scholars Program is designed to attract and support first-generation, low-income students financially, academically, personally, and professionally. It was named after David M. Rubenstein, the philanthropist and Duke alumnus who was the first member of his family to attend college.
Award Amount

Total: $20000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: March 01

First of Us Scholarship

The Gutierrez Law Firm have created the First of Us Scholarship for first-generation college students to share their experiences of facing and overcoming hardships as the first in their families to pursue higher education. This is a $1,000 scholarship opportunity. We will be accepting applications until August 31, 2023.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: August 31

Hatfield Foundation Scholarship

We provide scholarships and educational resources for first-generation college students to help ensure their success in academics and in life. College can be a significant burden to students, especially first-time college students. We help by providing financial assistance through our scholarship program. However, the program is much more than just money for school. We also provide educational resources and mentoring to help you along your journey.
Award Amount

Total: $20000

Awards: 4

Deadline

Deadline: March 14

Douvas Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is available to Wyoming undergraduate students who are first-generation college students and planning to attend one of the state’s seven community colleges or the University of Wyoming. Students must be high school seniors or 18 to 22 years of age. Click here to learn more and apply today!
Award Amount

Total: $500

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: April 30

Cynthia E. Morgan Scholarship

Current high school juniors or older students attending or planning to attend a Maryland college or university to pursue a career in a medical or medical-related field are eligible for this award. Students must be Maryland residents.
Award Amount

Total: $1000

Awards: 1

Deadline

Deadline: February 25