The Ultimate First Generation Scholarship List

If your student is the first person in your family heading to college, they may be eligible for first generation scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are designed to make furthering their education more affordable for first-in-family college students.There are a ton of scholarships that target first generation college students. If your student is breaking new ground in your family by working toward their degree, heres everything you need to know as well as the ultimate list of first generation scholarship opportunities.What Are First Generation Scholarship Opportunities?First gen scholarships are a form of financial aid that focuses on students who are either the first in their family to go to college or whose parents dont have college degrees. The exact qualifications can vary from one scholarship to the next, as some have additional eligibility requirements as well.Often, these scholarships are meant to make college more affordable for families who may have lower income le vels. Additionally, they serve as an incentive for students who want to further their education and will be the first in their family to pursue higher education.As with all scholarships, it is important that your student read the requirements for any first generation scholarship opportunities they want to pursue. Organizations may define first generation differently, so your student needs to review the eligibility requirements to make sure they qualify.Here are some possible definitions of first generation college student a committee may use:Neither parent has a Bachelors degree or aboveNeither parent has an Associates degree or aboveNeither parent has a college degree or certificateNeither parent nor any siblings have ever enrolled in or attended any collegeNo immediate family members (parents, siblings, or children) have obtained a degree nor attended collegeWhich definition is used is up to the awarding organization. As a result, some students may be considered as first gen by on e committee but not another.Additionally, its important to note that the awards may have additional qualifications beyond being a first gen student, making it crucial that your student examines every requirement before they start an application.The Ultimate List of First Generation College Student ScholarshipsThe scholarships in this list either target first generation college students specifically or tend to give first gen students special consideration, increasing the odds that a first generation college student is selected.General 1st Generation Scholarship OpportunitiesSome first generation scholarship options can help students at a variety of schools pay for college. They arent limited to just one college, though they may limit applicants based on a set of schools or other criteria. Here are some first generation scholarship opportunities that fall in this category:Choose Your Future Scholarship FundCynthia E. Morgan Memorial ScholarshipFarash Foundation First in Family Scholar shipFirstGen FellowsFlorida FGMGFontana Transport Inc. Scholars ProgramIm First! ScholarshipISFA First Generation College Student ProgramPatty and Melvin Alperin First Generation ScholarshipSallie Mae and Hispanic College Fund First in My Family ScholarshipSmith Scholarship FoundationStudySoup First in Family ScholarshipTIP GrantsTELACU Education Foundation College Success ProgramTMCF Coca-Cola First Generation ScholarshipTMCF Walmart Foundation First Generation ScholarshipUNCF Coca-Cola First Generation ScholarshipVAMOS ScholarshipsSchool-Specific 1st Generation ScholarshipsCertain scholarships for first generation college students are available through specific schools. If your student plans to attend any of these colleges and is considered a first gen student, they are definitely worth exploring.Grand Valley University Frederik Meijer First Generation Honors ScholarshipIowa State Benjamin and Patricia Allen ScholarshipMcLennan Community College First Generation Scholars John Fi sher College Fannie Sam Constantino First Generation Scholarship Marys University First Generation Initiative ScholarshipTexas AM Regents ScholarshipUC Berkeley Student Support Services Scholars AcademyUC Berkeley George A. Miller Scholars ProgramUniversity of Chicago Odyssey ScholarshipsUniversity of Colorado Boulder First Generation GrantHow to Apply for First Generation Scholarship OpportunitiesApplying for first generation college student scholarship awards isnt unlike applying for any other scholarship. Your student will need to make sure they are eligible and then follow the instructions provided by the awarding organization.If your student is starting the process, its wise that they create a system that allows them to organize scholarship materials to save time. This ensures that critical documents are kept in a safe place and remain accessible, streamlining their applications.Additionally, it is wise for your student to learn about writing scholarship essays. Nearly every legitimate scholarship will require at least one essay. Sometimes it helps to look at samples of essays that won money, as these can give your student direction. Additionally, doing some research about scholarship scams can help ensure your student focuses on genuine opportunities.Its also important to remember that, once your student wins a scholarship, their work isnt done. There are additional steps they need to take after theyve won a scholarship, including some that ensure the money ends up in the right place and that your student properly shows their appreciation for the award.If you and your student want to learn more about where to find first generation scholarship opportunities or other scholarships,sign up for our free college scholarship webinar! Head over to http://thescholarshipsystem.com/freewebinar to reserve your spot today.PinRedditShareLeave a Comment