Dreamers who are the first in their family to attend college can benefit from scholarships. Especially scholarships specifically for a first generation college student. A first generation college student is, to sum it up, the first generation in their family to attend college. A first generation college student faces many more hurdles than those whose families have experience with higher education. Recognizing the unique challenges a first generation college student faces, many scholarships are available to help them attend college.
According to the NCES, one-third of freshmen in America qualify as a first generation college student. Receiving a college acceptance letter is a milestone to celebrate. However, heading into uncharted academic territory is challenging. First generation students can’t rely on the experience of parents or siblings for guidance. The admission, financial aid, and registration processes can be overwhelming. Not to mention figuring out which college is a good fit. And weighing various factors like prestige and cost. It gets even more complicated when comparing the cost before and after financial aid. This is a major contributor to a high dropout rate among first gen students who attend college. It’s four times higher than second gen students. Nearly 90 percent of low-income, first generation students leave college without a diploma. This indicates a desperate need for more accessible financial aid.
It doesn’t have to be that way. It’s possible to reverse these harrowing statistics. A good place to start is exploring financial aid options like the ones we feature in this article. It’s our hope that the following scholarships will help ease the financial burden of higher education on first gen undergraduate students.
Ranking Top Scholarships for First Generation College Students
1. Arnold White Memorial Scholarships
The Lincoln Community Foundation provides three Arnold White Memorial Scholarships annually. They’re for up to $1,500 each. They’re to help to Nebraska high school seniors from Lyons, Fairbury, and Lincoln. Students must plan to enroll in two-year or four-year colleges. Priority is given to first generation undergraduate students with low expected family contribution. The three-page application must include an official transcript. Students must also submit a student Aid Report and two letters of recommendation. They must graduate high school (though they can apply before they graduate high school).
Contact
Arnold White Memorial Scholarships
215 Centennial Mall Suite 100
Lincoln, NE 68508
(402) 474-2345
michellep@lcf.org
2. Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship
The Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation makes two annual awards. They’re valued at $1,000. These are for Vermonters graduating from high schools in:
- Randolph
- Rochester
- Whitcomb
- Windsor
- Woodstock
To be eligible, they must be the first in their families to attend. Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. They must have full-time enrollment at Title IV-eligible institutions for renewal.
Contact
Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship
10 East Allen Street
Winooski, VT 05404
(888) 253-4819
info@vsac.org
3. CESDA Diversity Scholarships
The Colorado Educational Services and Developmental Association gifts six Diversity Scholarships for $1,000 each. These scholarships are for Colorado residents who meet any of the following criteria. The must either belong to racial minority groups. Be a first generation college student. Or they must have undocumented DACA status. Eligible Colorado high school students must be accepted at two-year or four-year colleges. The must register for 6+ credits. They must carry an overall GPA of 2.8 or higher. And the must actively volunteer for community service, and exhibit significant financial need.
Contact
CESDA Diversity Scholarships
P.O. Box 40214
Denver, CO 80204
(303) 492-8243
amy.molina@colorado.edu
4. Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship
Established in 2005, the Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 yearly. It honors the Baltimore native whose life was tragically cut short by stomach cancer. It’s reserved for a first generation college student who plans to attend accredited Maryland colleges. They must plan to pursue medical-related professions. Acceptable majors include:
- clinical laboratory science
- nursing
- pharmacy
- physiotherapy
- occupational therapy
- dietetics
- bioengineering
- public health
Applications must include a 500-word, typed personal goals essay.
Contact
Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship
5516 Maudes Way
White Marsh, MD 21162
applications@cemsfund.com
5. Dorrance Scholarship Programs
The Dorrance Scholarship Programs are named after Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance. They’re administered by the Arizona Community Foundation to support first generation college students. Recipients receive up to $12,000 annually. The must go to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona. Applicants must be graduating high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA. They must score at least 1040 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT. They also need to show leadership in volunteer service and participate in the Summer Bridge.
Contact
Dorrance Scholarship Programs
740 South Mill Avenue Suite 220
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 405-2410
dorrancescholarship@azfoundation.org
6. Farash Foundation First in Family Scholarships
The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation provides a lot of funding to students. They have devoted $3.5 million to their First in Family Scholarships. The full-tuition coverage is to help first generation college students to graduate debt-free. Since 2012, the program has helped youth from New York’s Monroe and Ontario counties. The scholarship only goes to students whose parents don’t have a degree. Funding covers, tuition, textbooks, room and board. Students must attend partnering institutions, including. These include, Nazareth College, SUNY Brockport, the University of Rochester.
Contact
Farash Foundation First in Family Scholarships
255 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14604
(585) 218-9855
info@farashfoundation.org
7. Florida First Generation Matching Grant
Under Statute 1009.701, the Florida Department of Education funds the First Generation Matching Grant to fulfill unmet need for students whose parents haven’t earned a baccalaureate degree. First-time freshmen must be U.S. citizens or eligible nationals. They must have graduated (or be graduating) from Florida high schools. They must be accepted at one of Florida’s 11 public state or 28 public community colleges. They also must enroll in 6+ credits each semester. Applicants cannot be in loan default.
Contact
Florida First Generation Matching Grant
325 West Gaines Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399
(888) 827-2004
osfa@fldoe.org
8. Fontana Transport Inc. Scholarship
Fontana Transport Inc. is committed to “Paving the road for college.” It offers a $5,000 scholarship to assist first generation students overcome financial obstacles to higher education. Interested candidates must be pursuing bachelor’s degrees in:
- transportation
- math
- science
- engineering
- architecture
- environmental design
- psychology
- or Spanish
They must enroll full-time at accredited U.S. schools. United States citizenship isn’t required. Recipients must carry a high weighted GPA of 3.5 or better.
Contact
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholarship
6599 Jacaranda Avenue
Fontana, CA 92336
(909) 357-4307
scholarships@fontanatransport.net
9. Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship
The Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is one of 13 programs managed by the Asian Pacific Fund. It provides $5,000 yearly for $20,000 total. Funding supports incoming full-time freshmen at accredited colleges. They must be first generation Asian immigrants. Applicants must maintain a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. They must exhibit outstanding citizenship. Finally, the scholarship prefers students planning to study business. Applications are accepted from the following California counties:
- San Francisco
- Alameda
- Contra Costa
- Marin
- Solano.
Contact
Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship
465 California Street Suite 809
San Francisco, CA 94104
(415) 395-9985
scholarship@asianpacificfund.org
10. I’m First! Scholarship Program
Strive for College hosts the I’m First! Scholarship Program. It annually present four-year, $4,000 awards. Eligible are 10 graduating high school senior students who are becoming first generation college students at CSO-partnering institutions. There are currently 140 partners, including:
- Northern Arizona University
- Pepperdine University
- Stetson University
- Brandeis University
- Fordham University
Selection is based on students’ financial need. Applicants must demonstrate leadership experience and perseverance. The scholarship also requires students to have been engaged in some form of community service. For more information about the more unique requirements please visit the website.
Contact
I’m First! Scholarship Program
556 Valley Way
Milpitas, CA 95035
(949) 329-8291
info@striveforcollege.org
11. J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship
The J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship was created by the Avondale Mills CEO in 2004. It has a $10 million endowment. It receives nearly 1,000 applications annually. These are mostly from low-income, first generation college students across Alabama. The Foundation provides up to full tuition and room and board at select in-state institutions. It’s for graduating high school seniors who’ve faced personal challenges but excelled with a minimum “C+” average and ACT score of 17.
Contact
J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship
400 Caldwell Trace
Birmingham, AL 35242
(205) 202-4076
ahrian@jcraigsmithfoundation.org
12. Layton Family Foundation Scholarship
The Layton Family Foundation Scholarship created in Wayne Layton’s memory. The fund was created by the Community Foundation of Shelby County. It gifts $1,000 to a first generation college student from western Ohio, including:
- Sidney
- Botkins
- Kettlersville
- Fort Loramie
- Lockington
An eligible high school senior must plan to enroll full-time at accredited two-year or four-year colleges. They must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. All applicants write a 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Layton Family Foundation Scholarship
100 S. Main Avenue Suite 202
Sidney, OH 45365
(937) 497-7800
info@commfoun.com
13. Meslow First Generation Scholarships
The Minnesota Private College Council administers the Meslow First Generation Scholarships. They’re based on financial need. Eligible are freshmen and sophomores from low-means and modest-means families. Their parents also must not have a college education. Qualified candidates must be United States citizens. They must be accepted at private institutions in Minnesota. Applicants should hold a minimum 2.5 GPA and exhibit a history of community involvement. Applicants must have familial income under $50,000.
Contact
Meslow First Generation Scholarships
445 Minnesota Street Suite 500
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 228-9061
colleges@mnprivatecolleges.org
14. Norman and Pat Hayes Scholarship
Deadline: February 15th
The Middletown Community Foundation was founded in the 1970s. Since then it has delivered over $33 million with Ohio scholarship funds. These include the Norman and Pat Hayes Scholarship. It’s named for a Lemon-Monroe High School teacher and his wife. The program supports graduating seniors from Monroe County. Eligible applicants are those who will become the first in their immediate family to attend college. Chosen recipients must carry a minimum 2.5 GPA in grades 9-12. They must also attend full-time at a four-year accredited college.
Contact
Norman and Pat Hayes Scholarship
200 N. Main Street Suite 300
Middletown, OH 45042
(513) 424-7369
scholarships@mcfoundation.org
15. Patty and Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship
Deadline: April 28th
The Rhode Island Foundation administers one of New England’s scholarships for first generation college students in honor of Patty and Mevlin Alperin. It’s for $1,000. The renewable fund selects financially needy high school seniors across Rhode Island for this financial assistance. They must be accepted into accredited two- or four-year U.S. institutions. Their parents do not a college degree. Online applications are accepted every Spring with. Application requires an official transcript and FAFSA form. Applicants must also submit a reference letter.
Contact
Patty and Melvin Alperin First Generation Scholarship
One Union Station
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 274-4564
info@rifoundation.org
16. Peter George Douvas Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: May 10th
The Peter George Douvas Memorial Scholarship provides funding for children in immigrant families. The $500 scholarship is meant for first generation students. It’s administered by the Wyoming Department of Education each May. Funding can be applied at eight in-state institutions. This includes Casper College, Eastern Wyoming College, Sheridan College, and the University of Wyoming. To qualify, students must enroll full-time and apply for federal financial aid. They must be in good academic standing and demonstrate motivation to succeed.
Contact
Peter George Douvas Memorial Scholarship
2300 Capitol Avenue
Cheyenne, WY 82002
(307) 777-3469
laurie.hernandez@wyo.gov
17. TELACU College Success Program
Deadline: February 24th
The College Success Program is funded by The East Los Angeles Community Union. It offers $500 to $5,000 scholarships with one-on-one mentoring. It’s for first generation college students living in California, Texas, Illinois and New York. Applicants must be from a low-income household. They must be attending (or about to attend) an accredited U.S. college full-time. Applicants must maintain a minimum B- average. They must also participate in all mandatory Sessions. Priority is given to STEM and business majors.
Contact
TELACU College Success Program
5400 E. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90022
(323) 721-1655
collegesuccess@TELACU.com
18. UNCF/Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships
Deadline: September 9th
The United Negro College Fund partnered with Coca-Cola to provide 50 First Generation Scholarships of $5,000. Additionally, there are thousands of scholarships awarded every year. So while you might want to target the First generation scholarship directly, don’t ignore others you might be eligible for. UNCF is the largest private scholarship fund awarding minority scholarships. They award over $100 million per year in funds. For the first gen scholarship’s financial assistance you must have unmet financial need. You must be the first in your immediate family to attend college full-time. You must carry a minimum 3.0 GPA without probation. And you must be pursuing your first bachelor’s degree.
Contact
UNCF/Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarships
1805 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
(202) 810-0258
david.ray@uncf.org
19. Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship
Deadline: June 1st
The Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship is worth $3,100 per semester or $6,200 total. It’s awarded by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund to minority college freshmen whose parents didn’t finish an undergraduate degree. Selected recipients must attend of the United States’ 47 public HBCUs. They must exhibit leadership ability and have unmet financial need on the FAFSA. They must also possess a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants must be recommended by a high school counselor.
Contact
Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship
901 F Street NW Suite 300
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 507-4851
tarlton.wade@tmcf.org
20. William D. and Ruth D. Roy Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
The Oregon Student Assistance Corporation’s catalog features over 500 possible scholarships for first generation students. One such scholarship is the William D. and Ruth D. Roy Scholarship. To receive this $1,000 award you must graduate from high school and live in Oregon. You must also enroll at least half-time at Portland State University or Oregon State University. You must have a 2.7 GPA or higher and be the first in your family to pursue a degree. Preference is given to engineering and technology majors.
Contact
William D. and Ruth D. Roy Scholarship
1500 Valley River Drive Suite 100
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 687-7422
awardinfo@osac.state.or.us
First generation students lack prior exposure to a college campus, so additional resources are needed to ensure their success. That’s especially true financially since the majority of Gen-1 undergraduates come from families near the federal poverty level. The College Board reports that published yearly college tuition is $9,410 at public four-year and $32,410 at private four-year institutions in-state on average. Luckily, financial aid can significantly reduce your degree’s price tag. In addition to applying for these scholarships for first generation college students, file the FAFSA form to earn Federal Pell Grant and state grant funding. Navigating college admissions can be difficult but school guidance counselors can be of assistance. There may also be other resources in your area to help navigate the college admissions process. While rare, make sure you look for college grants as these sometimes are available for certain majors later in your college career. Students majoring in STEM or social services fields might be able to find grants, for instance.
GCD Staff
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