Education is a powerful tool for personal and societal advancement, enabling individuals to break barriers, follow their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. However, for many first-generation students – those who are the first in their families to attend college – attaining higher education can present unique challenges. Financial constraints often top this list. Thankfully, various scholarships are available to lift some of these financial burdens. This article sheds light on some exclusive scholarships designed specifically for first-generation students in the United States.
1. The Dell Scholars Program
The Dell Scholars Program, initiated by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, stands out as a beacon for first-generation college aspirants. This scholarship is more than just a financial grant—it offers assistance in academic, financial, and emotional terms. The program awards $20,000 to each scholar, along with a laptop and textbook credits.
Additionally, it provides access to a dedicated support network and resources that help students navigate the complexities of higher education. The eligibility criteria require applicants to be participating in a college readiness program and demonstrate financial need.
2. The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship
The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship supports first-generation college students across a variety of schools. Every year, the Coca-Cola Foundation partners with 500+ colleges and universities nationwide to provide scholarships.
These scholarships are typically awarded to students who display academic promise but face financial hardships. Each participating institution sets its own eligibility criteria, but generally, applicants must maintain a certain GPA and be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program.
3. The I’m First! Scholarship
The I’m First! Scholarship, offered by the Center for Student Opportunity, aims to empower first-generation students by not only providing financial support but also connecting them with a robust community of mentors and peers.
Eligible applicants must be high school seniors planning to attend a four-year institution, first-generation in their family to go to college, and demonstrate a commitment to community service. Awards range from $1,000 to $4,000 annually, and students can renew them for up to four years.
4. The Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship
This scholarship offers substantial financial support—up to $5,000 per year for four years—to first-generation students of Asian descent. Applicants should demonstrate financial need, be residents of the United States, and exhibit a high level of academic achievement and community involvement.
Beyond the financial award, this scholarship encourages recipients to develop leadership skills through various programs and activities.
5. Pell Grants
While technically not a scholarship but a federal aid program, Pell Grants play a crucial role for many first-generation college students. These grants are awarded based on financial need and do not have to be repaid. Amounts can vary each year, with a maximum limit set by the federal government.
Pell Grants are especially significant for low-income students, providing them with an avenue to attain higher education without accumulating overwhelming debt.
6. The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
The Gates Millennium Scholars Program, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to reduce financial barriers for high-achieving, low-income students. Open to first-generation students among other underrepresented groups, this program covers all unmet need for the students’ undergraduate tenure.
Beyond funding, the program also offers leadership development opportunities, mentoring, and academic support, making it one of the most comprehensive support systems for first-generation scholars.
7. First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG)
Specific to students in Florida, the FGMG provides need-based grants to first-generation students attending Florida’s public universities. The state matches private donations to fund these grants, significantly easing the financial burdens on recipients.
Applicants must be residents of Florida, first-generation in their family to attend college, and demonstrate financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) results.
8. The First Generation Student Scholarship from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
This scholarship aims to support first-generation students attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It is renewable for up to four years and provides up to $1,000 per year.
To qualify, students must be Wisconsin residents, be the first in their family to attend college, and demonstrate financial need. Teachers and counselors often nominate students for this scholarship based on their exemplary academic performance and community involvement.
9. The Generation Google Scholarship
Designed for aspiring computer scientists, the Generation Google Scholarship supports first-generation college students pursuing degrees in computer science, computer engineering, or related fields. Successful applicants receive a $10,000 award for U.S. schools and $5,000 for Canadian schools.
Beyond financial support, recipients are invited to participate in a Google-sponsored retreat, providing them with opportunities to network and grow within the tech industry.
10. The KPMG Future Leaders Program
Geared towards high school senior girls who are the first in their families to attend college, this program provides a range of support including $10,000 annually for four years. Beyond the financial aspect, recipients also benefit from mentorship by top female leaders and a leadership retreat.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, demonstrate financial need, and exhibit leadership qualities and community service involvement.
11. The Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship
Although more specific to business school aspirants, the Goldman Sachs MBA Fellowship caters to students who are also first-generation college students. Besides providing financial support, the fellowship offers a summer internship at Goldman Sachs.
Recipients of this fellowship typically have a strong academic record, leadership qualities, and a desire to pursue a career in finance or investment banking.
12. The Greenhouse Scholars Program
The Greenhouse Scholars Program offers a holistic support system for first-generation and low-income students. Beyond providing financial aid ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 each year throughout college, the program also includes mentorship, leadership training, and career development support.
Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, a commitment to their communities, and leadership potential.
13. First-Generation Grant Program by Brown University
Brown University’s First-Generation Grant Program helps first-generation students by covering 100% of their demonstrated financial need. The program also includes the First-Generation College and Low-Income (FGLI) Student Initiative, which offers peer support, academic workshops, and personal development resources.
Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA and College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile.
14. The TELACU Education Foundation College Success Program
Focusing on Latino first-generation students, the TELACU Education Foundation awards scholarships with amounts varying based on need and academic standing. Eligible applicants must be from specific California regions or Texas and be accepted into a college or university.
Recipients benefit from personalized academic advisement, financial literacy workshops, and career readiness programs.
15. The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) First Generation College Scholarship Program
Targeting African-American first-generation students, the UNCF First Generation College Scholarship provides financial support to students attending UNCF member schools. This need-based scholarship helps cover tuition, room, and board, and other expenses.
Eligibility criteria include financial need, enrollment in a UNCF institution, and academic achievement.
16. The Colon F. Madero & J. Eduardo Morety Scholarship
This scholarship is specifically for first-generation college students of Hispanic heritage pursuing degrees in engineering or physical sciences. Offered by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), it awards up to $5,000 annually.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, academic excellence, and a commitment to the Hispanic community.
Conclusion
First-generation students face a plethora of challenges on their journey to higher education. However, various scholarships and programs provide more than just financial assistance—they offer emotional and academic support, mentoring, and networking opportunities. These resources are designed to empower students, enabling them to achieve their educational and professional goals.
By accessing these scholarship opportunities, first-generation students can unlock doors previously thought closed to them and set new precedents for future generations in their families to follow. Exploring these scholarships and understanding their requirements is the first step towards a brighter, more affordable academic future.
