Introduction
Heading to college as the first person in your family to do so is a big achievement—and one that can come with serious financial hurdles. That’s where first-generation college student scholarships come in. These awards are designed specifically to support students whose parents or guardians didn’t earn a college degree. They offer not only financial relief but also recognition for the determination it takes to chart a new academic path without a family blueprint to follow.
With rising tuition costs, these scholarships can make higher education more accessible—and many students don’t realize just how many of them are available. Whether you’re already applying to colleges or just beginning to explore your options, understanding how to find and apply for these scholarships can help you take control of your education funding.
Description
What Are First-Generation Scholarships?
These scholarships are tailored for students who are the first in their immediate family to attend college. The exact definition of “first-generation” can vary by program. Some scholarships define it as students whose parents never earned a bachelor’s degree, while others expand that to include students whose parents didn’t attend any college at all or who have no immediate family with college experience.
Because the definitions vary, it’s important to read eligibility requirements carefully before applying.
Why They Matter
First-generation scholarships offer more than just financial help. They acknowledge the challenges students face when entering college without a family history of higher education. These awards can help pay for tuition, books, and other essential expenses—but they also offer a boost of encouragement and often come with access to support programs and mentorship opportunities.
Who Is Eligible?
In general, eligibility for first-gen scholarships includes:
Being the first in your family to pursue or earn a college degree
Meeting academic performance criteria (like a minimum GPA)
Participating in community service or leadership activities
Demonstrating financial need, in some cases
Additional factors like ethnicity, state of residence, or intended major may also come into play depending on the scholarship.
Types of First-Generation Scholarships
General Scholarships Open to Many Schools
Some scholarships aren’t tied to a specific school but still prioritize first-gen students. These are great for students applying to multiple colleges.
Examples include:
Choose Your Future Scholarship Fund
FirstGen Fellows
I’m First! Scholarship
TMCF Coca-Cola and Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarships
UNCF Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship
VAMOS Scholarships
TELACU Education Foundation College Success Program
These programs often require a strong application, a compelling essay, and sometimes proof of community involvement or leadership experience.
School-Specific First-Gen Scholarships
Many colleges offer scholarships just for first-gen students who plan to attend their institution. These awards are often part of broader support programs that include mentorship or academic coaching.
Some examples include:
UC Berkeley – George A. Miller Scholars Program
University of Chicago – Odyssey Scholarships
Texas A&M – Regents’ Scholarship
Grand Valley University – Meijer First Generation Honors Scholarship
McLennan Community College First Generation Scholars
If you already know which school you’ll attend—or have a shortlist—check their financial aid page for school-specific first-gen scholarships.
How to Apply
Applying for first-generation scholarships follows the usual scholarship process, but with a few added tips:
Start with the FAFSA – Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to unlock additional grants, loans, and aid packages.
Organize your documents – Save time by keeping transcripts, resumes, recommendation letters, and essays in one place.
Write a strong personal statement – Most scholarships require essays. Be honest about your journey, goals, and challenges.
Watch for deadlines – Each scholarship has its own due date, so use a calendar or spreadsheet to stay on track.
Avoid scams – Legit scholarships won’t ask for payment upfront. Research providers before applying.
After You Win
Winning a scholarship doesn’t mean the work is over. Make sure you:
Follow any instructions from the scholarship provider
Submit thank-you letters as a professional courtesy
Stay on top of any requirements, like maintaining a certain GPA
These steps ensure that you maintain eligibility and leave a good impression, which may open doors for future opportunities.
You can download the Apk file from the link below to manage your applications, track deadlines, and stay organized throughout your scholarship journey.