First Generation College Student Scholarships
Being a future first-generation college student can be overwhelming: there’s a lot of information out there, but never enough resources. Learning about and knowing how to pay for college is an essential factor that settles into the college decision for most future first-generation college students, but many people have no idea just how many scholarships exist specifically for first-generation students. With these easy-to-apply-for scholarships, money won’t have to be a burden when applying for college!
What is a scholarship?
A scholarship is a type of financial aid that is gifted to students based on many things like academics. These scholarships are given to fund the student’s financial needs for college.
Why are scholarships important?
Scholarships are important for a number of reasons, but here are the top reasons why they’re so necessary:
It reduces future debt for you and your family
58% of families use scholarships to help pay for college, which means that it’s a very common and useful option when it comes to paying for college
What are first-gen college student scholarships?
A first-generation college student scholarship is a scholarship given to college students whose parents didn’t go to college and are the first in their families to go. The scholarship still applies to those whose siblings went to college.
Where can I find first-gen college student scholarships?
The great news is that there are so many places to find scholarships that you’re sure to find the perfect ones for you. Here are some of our favorite scholarship websites:
Career One Stop: This website not only suggests some great scholarship opportunities, but it can also help you explore career paths to help you narrow down your major options!
Scholarships360: Started by two former first-generation college students, Scholarships360 not only has a robust database of scholarships but also provides resources to help you with the application process.
Scholarships.com: With over 3.7 million scholarships and grants listed in their database, their search tool can help you narrow down your choices and find the best scholarships for you.
Collegescholarships.org:This scholarship search engine also informs others about student loans and college grants.
Niche: Niche makes applying for scholarships easy by finding scholarships that don’t require essays, grades, or recommendations.
Fastweb: Find the right scholarships by creating a profile and getting matched with scholarships based on state, grade level, ethnicity, and more.
BigFuture by College Board: College Board is used by many all around the world to apply for college, but their free tool BigFuture makes it easy to find and apply to scholarships.
Scholarship Owl: Not only does Scholarship Owl find scholarships but you can also get help from specialized scholarship consultants.
Cappex: This scholarship finder tool also provides College Greenlight, which focuses on helping underrepresented students on finding scholarships.
Bold: Bold offers a wide variety of scholarships, including “no essay” scholarships, scholarships for women, minorities, athletes, and more.
Best Scholarships for First Generation College Students
Looking for scholarships specifically for first-generation college students? We’ve saved you some time and pulled 30 of our favorite scholarships for first-generation applicants!
The Community Foundation- A variety of general and special requirement scholarships for students
Farash Foundation: First in Family scholarship - A scholarship program that provides first generation college students funding for higher education in Monroe and Ontario counties.
The First Generation Civil Rights Fellowship Program - A paid summer program for first generation undergraduate students who intend to pursue a career in social justice.
Fontana Transport Inc Scholars Program - A scholarship opportunity that provides funding to first generation and low income high school seniors who are underrepresented.
IFSA First-Generation Scholarship - Study abroad scholarships for first generation college students.
Study Soup: First in Family - This program provides a $2000 scholarship for first members in their family to attend college.
TIP Grant - The TIP Grant is open to all low-income and disadvantaged Wisconsin students
Thurgood Marshall College Fund - Scholarships for all students and students in urgent financial need.
Gutierrez Law Firm: First of us scholarship - The $1000 scholarship is open to all United States residents and first generation students.
VAMOS Scholarships - Scholarships for graduating high school seniors in Hidalgo, Starr or Cameron county, located in Texas, and eligible residents.
McLennan Community College’s First Generation Scholars - Join the first generation scholars program at McLennan community college and earn a $6,000 scholarship!
Odyssey Scholarships - Odyssey Scholarships provides scholarships for low income or first in their family students.
First-Gen Fellows - Interested in pursuing mission-based work? This paid summer program for first generation undergraduate students who intend to pursue careers in social justice.
College Success Program - not only does the program offers financial support, but one-on-one guidance, internship opportunities, and more.
The Costco Scholarship - The Costco Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to high-achieving students who wish to attend SU or UW.
Buddy Pierce and Maggie P. Speight Scholarship Fund for the Arts - This scholarship is open to low-income students planning to study music and/or arts in college
American Indian College Fund Scholarships - These scholarships are open to American Indian and Alaska Native college students enrolled in certificate, undergraduate, or graduate program at tribal colleges and other nonprofit, accredited schools.
Pathway to Success Scholarship - The Pathway to Success Scholarship is open to first-generation female students who reside in Florida and are entering their freshman year in a public in-state college.
Taigh Scholarship - This scholarship provides $1000 for a first generation college student who resides in Caledonia County..
BizInsure Architecture and Engineering Scholarship - This award is a $2000 scholarship for undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university in the US and taking an architectural or engineering course.
Hatfield Foundation Scholarsh Program - Scholarship program for first generation college students, the winner receives a $5000 award.
Florida Student Scholarship and Grant Programs - These state scholarships and grant programs are great for eligible students whose high school is a participating Florida public or private high school.
Grand Valley State University - Grand Valley State University offers a variety of scholarships for first-year honors students.
Scholarships for Dreamers - UC Santa Cruz offers a great list of the many different scholarships open to Dreamers.
Catawba College - This college offers scholarships applicable to many different students including current college students, African American, Hispanic, and Native American students.
The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program - Thos $10,000 scholarship is open to any high school seniors and students who will be attending a college or university in the United States as a freshman.
Thomas D. Urmston Scholarship: This scholarship offers a large $12,000 award for female students who are graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School
Clarkston Scholars Scholarship: This $10,000 scholarship is open to first generation sophomores at one of Clarkston's Core Schools.
Hispanic Scholarship Fund - Become a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar and receive a $500 - $5,000 scholarship!
Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship -This $5000 scholarship is for students who are the first in their family to attend a 4-year college or university, and attending or planning to attend a UNCF member institution.
Final Thoughts on First-Generation College Students
There are many scholarships for future first-generation college students to apply to, but the application may be difficult without any guidance. Make the process easier by signing up to work with a free college counselor through UPchieve today!