First in Family Scholarships: What are They? Where to Find Them? 

Entering college as a First-generation student is an exciting yet challenging process. Often paving the way for your daily academic journey, you might find yourself navigating unfamiliar territory. To bridge this gap and acknowledge the unique obstacles you face, numerous scholarships specifically target first-generation students. These financial awards recognize the additional hurdles you may encounter, offering valuable support to help you achieve academic access. From offering financial assistance to potentially including mentorship programs, first-family scholarship can be a game changer in facing your higher education.

In this blog, we’ll dive into what these scholarships are, where to find them, and how they can be the important to unlocking your academic and professional future.

What are First in Family Scholarships?

First-in-Family scholarships, also widely known as first-generation scholarships, are a type of financial aid specifically designed for students who are the first in their immediate family to attend a college or university. The most common definition, particularly in the United States, is that a student’s parents or legal guardians have not earned a bachelor’s degree.

These scholarships are created to address the unique challenges that first-generation students face, which go beyond financial need. They recognize that these students may lack guidance from family members who have navigated the college application process, financial aid, and the academic and social culture of a university. As such, many first-in-family scholarships offer more than just money; they often include mentorship, peer support networks, and other resources to help students succeed both academically and personally.

While the primary eligibility criterion is parental education, some scholarship providers may have additional requirements, such as a minimum GPA, demonstrated financial need, or a personal essay that highlights the student’s unique journey and aspirations. The definition can sometimes be nuanced, with some programs considering students “first-gen” even if an older sibling or another relative has attended college, as long as the student’s parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree.

List of Top First-in-Family Scholarships

Finding the right scholarship can be a game-changer for first-in-family students. While opportunities are vast, the best scholarships often come with not only generous funding but also dedicated support systems. Below is a table highlighting some of the most notable and impactful scholarships available to first-generation students, with a focus on a mix of highly competitive, corporate, and university-specific programs.

Scholarship Name	Provider	Award Amount	Key Information
The Gates Scholarship	The Gates Foundation	Full demonstrated need	A highly selective, “last-dollar” scholarship for high-achieving, low-income, minority high school seniors. It covers all costs not met by other financial aid, including tuition, books, and living expenses.
The Sallie Mae Fund First in Family Scholarship	The Sallie Mae Fund	Varies; up to USD 10,000	A program that provides financial assistance to minority high school seniors and college students who are the first in their family to attend a four-year university.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Program	Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation	USD 20,000	A highly competitive scholarship for high school seniors. While not exclusively for first-gen students, a significant number of recipients are first-generation. It’s based on leadership and community service.
University of Chicago Odyssey Scholarship	University of Chicago	Full financial need	This program meets the full demonstrated financial need of first-generation students, often allowing them to graduate without student debt.
The Dorrance Scholarship Programs	The Dorrance Foundation	Up to USD 48,000	A comprehensive scholarship for first-generation students in Arizona. It includes significant funding, as well as a robust support system with mentorship and travel opportunities.
Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program	Fontana Transport Inc.	Varies; up to USD 5,000	This scholarship is for first-generation high school seniors who are underrepresented and have demonstrated financial need and a passion for higher education.
TELACU College Success Program	TELACU Education Foundation	Varies; up to USD 5,000	This program provides financial aid and a comprehensive support network for first-generation students from underserved communities.
TIAA First-Generation Scholarship	TIAA and Scholarship America	USD 5,000 – USD 10,000	This is for current undergraduate students and is based on academic achievement, leadership, and personal circumstances. Financial need is not a primary factor.

Also Read: Check Out These Top 10 Government Scholarships to Study Abroad

Why are They Offered?

First-in-Family scholarships are offered to address the unique barriers and challenges that first-generation students face when pursuing higher education. These scholarships are an important tool for promoting equity and social mobility.

• Financial Access: To reduce or eliminate the financial burden of college, making higher education affordable for students who are more likely to come from low-income households.
• Knowledge and Guidance: To bridge the “information gap” that first-generation students often face, providing resources, mentorship, and support that may be absent in their family life.
• Diversity and Inclusion: To attract a wider range of students from various socioeconomic backgrounds, enriching the campus and promoting a more equitable and inclusive learning environment.
• Recognizing Resilience: To honor the hard work, determination, and unique potential of students who have navigated the path to college without a family roadmap.
• Social Mobility: To help break cycles of poverty and create new opportunities for both the individual student and their future generations.

Where to Find First-in-Family Scholarships?

Finding first-in-family scholarships requires a strategic and proactive approach, as they are offered by a wide range of organizations and institutions. Here are the best places to look:

• Many colleges have dedicated scholarships specifically for first-generation students, like the University of Chicago’s Odyssey Scholarship or the University of Colorado-Boulder’s First Generation Scholarship.
• Numerous foundations and non-profits offer scholarships nationwide. These often have specific eligibility criteria. Examples include scholarships from The Sallie Mae Fund, The Coca-Cola Foundation, and The Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
• Websites like Scholarships.com, Bold.org, and Going Merry allow you to filter for scholarships based on your first-generation status and other factors like your major or GPA.
• The federal government offers grants through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program, which can be a significant source of financial aid for first-generation students.
• While not technically scholarships, grants are free money awarded based on financial need. Explore the resources available at the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov.
• Many non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting underrepresented students offer scholarships specifically for first-generation students.
• Research organizations aligned with your background, ethnicity, or field of study.
• Talk to guidance counselors, teachers, and college advisors.

Coverage of First-in-Family Scholarships

First-in-Family scholarships are offered for several important reasons, with a focus on both equity and student success.

• The financial awards offered by First-in-Family Scholarships vary depending on the scholarship provider.
• Some may offer a one-time award, while others provide ongoing support throughout your academic journey.
• Awards can range from covering a portion of tuition to full-ride scholarships that encompass all educational expenses.
• Many colleges and universities recognize the challenges faced by first-generation students and offer them reduced tuition rates or special financial aid packages.
• Explore the financial aid offerings at colleges on your list to see if they have programs specifically for first-generation students.
• Some First-in-Family Scholarships include mentorship programs that connect you with experienced individuals who can offer guidance and support as you navigate college life.
• Scholarships may also provide access to academic support services, such as tutoring programs, workshops, or study skills development resources.
• Certain scholarship programs create a sense of community among first-generation students.

How to Apply for First-in-Family Scholarships?

Applying for First-in-Family scholarships requires a thoughtful and organized approach. Unlike a typical scholarship that might focus solely on academic merit or extracurricular activities, these applications often ask you to tell your personal story. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply effectively.

• Gather Your Documents: First, collect essential materials like your official transcripts, a list of your extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation. Many scholarships also require you to complete the FAFSA to assess your financial need, so have that ready too.
• Write a Powerful Essay: This is your best opportunity to tell your story. Don’t just list your achievements; explain what it means to be a first-generation student. Share the challenges you’ve faced and frame them as a source of resilience and determination. Connect your past experiences to your future goals and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
• Apply Broadly and Early: Don’t limit yourself to just a few opportunities. Apply for a mix of scholarships—from universities, national non-profits, and local organizations. Create a spreadsheet to track deadlines and requirements for each application and submit them well in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
• Proofread Thoroughly: Before you submit anything, meticulously review your entire application. Check for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. A clean, polished application shows you’re serious about the opportunity.

Also Read: How Much Percentage is Required for Scholarships In India?

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