First-Generation Scholarships

Are you wondering if you are a first-generation student? So, here are some of the common definitions of a first-gen college student which helps you give clear detail if you are a first-gen student or not. 

• Neither parent has obtained an Associate's or more advanced degree.

• Neither parent has obtained a Bachelor's or more advanced degree.

• Neither parent nor a sibling has ever enrolled in or attended college.

• If your parents took a few college classes and dropped out of college, you will quite often be considered the first-gen student.

These definitions might vary depending on the school you prefer to join.

Here are a few problems faced by First-Gen College Students. 

• Adjustment to college life

• Financial Challenges 

• Family Support 

• Personal Characteristics

With the right resources, education, and support, first-gen students can manage to defeat these challenges and achieve many things in college life.

There are many college scholarships available for first-gen students. Let us now discuss the First-Generation Scholarship.

What are First-Generation Scholarships?

Every student has the right to education, and with these scholarships, a first-gen student can achieve the most valuable asset- Education.

First-generation scholarships are for students who are the first ones in their family to attend a four-year college or university. These scholarships are funds for students who are the first in their family to go to college.

We can define first-gen students as those whose parents never registered in post-secondary schooling. The common criterion is that the winner should be in the first generation of students in the family to attend college. 

Some first-gen scholarships are funded by private sources and others are sponsored by the public. All are intended to help provide access to higher education for a family that has not experienced it before.

• There are scholarships for first-generation minority groups too. 

• There are also scholarships for low income, under-served students. 

• Some providers also offer first-gen scholarships to students in local states or communities. These tend to ask for proof of residency and your citizenship status.

Who qualifies for these scholarships? 

Every first-generation college student scholarship has a different set of criteria. Apart from the fact that you are the first person to enter college, there are certain rules you need to follows in order to be eligible. 

• An acceptable GPA and financial need are common. 

• Also, volunteer work and leadership qualities are important to earn a scholarship. 

Important Tips

• It is awarded to first-generation students who exhibit a strong academic record or who show attention in a certain specific area of study. So put in hard work and try to achieve good grades.

• Make sure to read the application information to see if you are a good candidate.

• You will have to look carefully at the qualifications requirements for the scholarship you are applying to see if you meet them.

How to apply for First-Generation Scholarships?

Are you wondering how to enroll for these scholarships? So here are 3 basic steps that are common for any scholarship.

Planning 

It is important to make a strategic plan in order to fulfill all the needs. Then you can calculate the expenses you can afford and how much extra money you will need in order to lead a peaceful college life without any obstacles.

Research and Analyze

Start researching and browsing on schools, organizations, funds that offer first-generation scholarships. Make a list of between 20-30 potential schools that you’re interested in. Do some analysis whether you are eligible or not and also regarding the scholarships which suit your plan, all the criteria, and requirements. 

Apply 

Applying for scholarships can be simple, but it does take time. In this step, you will have to fill in all the details regarding your academics and also personal information and send your application. Make sure to contact the scholarship provider to know about the application process as there might be changes with the process for different colleges. However, you will have to maintain a record of your academics and achievements.  

First-Generation Scholarships Examples

If you are a first-gen college student, there are many first-generation scholarship opportunities that you can apply for. Here are a few examples of College scholarship programs for First-Gen Students.

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

• It is an ongoing award provided by the U.S. State Department to encourage students to study, as well as intern, abroad. 

• The goal of the organization is to help students gain the skills needed for the U.S. to remain economically competitive. 

• It also helps to broaden the horizons of students by helping them to become exposed to unique, overseas experiences. 

• The scholarship award amount is $5000 and the deadline to apply for this scholarship will usually be in the month of March or October.

• Though the scholarship isn’t exclusively for first-gen students, it strives to provide financial assistance to groups generally underrepresented, including minorities and those coming from low-income households.

Fontana Transportation Inc. Scholars Program

Fontana Transportation is a trucking company based in Southern California. It is offering a scholarship to students looking to use their education as a means of making an impact in their own communities. The scholarship award amount is $5000 and the deadline to apply for this scholarship will usually be in the month of March.

The award is offered to: 

• Low-income, first-generation college students pursuing a degree at a 4-year university.

• For students who are interested in pursuing a career in any of the following fields: Transportation, Math, Science, Engineering, Architecture, Environmental Design, Pre-Med, Psychology, and Spanish Language.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens. 

• They must hold a minimum of a 3.5 GPA. 

• They also must be able to prove they will be attending college starting in the fall. 

Apart from the above mentioned scholarships, there are other scholarships available for those that belong to first generation. It is advised that you conduct a thorough research before you apply.