Zina Kumok Image Written By: Zina Kumok | Edited By: Kevin Ladd | Updated: December 2, 2024

First in Family Scholarships

Key takeaways:

  • First in family scholarships offer substantial financial assistance to students who are the first in their immediate families to attend college.
  • Scholarships are available through various foundations, universities, and corporations.
  • Scholarships often consider both academic merit and financial need. High academic achievers and those demonstrating financial hardship are typically prioritized.

Being the first person in your family to go to college is a true accomplishment - especially since it can be much harder to navigate the college application process without someone who has been through the experience to show you the way. Fortunately, these students are eligible for first-generation scholarships to reward them for their persistence. Read below to learn how first-generation scholarships work, where to find them and how to apply for them.

What is a first in family scholarship?

First in family scholarships or “first-generation” scholarships prioritize students whose parents did not attend or graduate from college. Organizations that distribute these awards realize that these students are at a disadvantage compared to students who come from a long line of college graduates and attendees.

These families may not have the resources to help their child succeed. They also may be less familiar with the college application and financial aid process. These scholarship providers want to give first-generation students a leg up so they’re on an even playing field. And because first-generation students are more likely to drop out than those who's parents have been to college, these scholarships may be more likely to encourage them to keep going.

How to apply for a first in family scholarship

There are a significant number of first in family scholarships in our scholarship database. When you create a profile and conduct a free scholarship search at Scholarships.com you will be automatically matched to any for which you qualify. Be sure to keep track of those you like the best, have applied for or won.

If you prefer to use our directory, you can specifically search for awards designed for first in family college students. There are dozens of scholarships that fit this demographic. As you do your research, create a spreadsheet listing each award, the due date, the amount, essay requirements and if you need a recommendation letter. Prioritize the awards that you feel confident are the most suited to you.

Start asking for recommendation letters a few weeks before you need them. Bear in mind that the person you are asking may be busy, so try to give whomever you ask a few weeks’ notice to allow them sufficient time to write you a letter of recommendation that will really help your cause.

If you have to write an essay, remember that you are also busy and give yourself enough time to write a rough draft and have it proofread by someone who you consider to be an excellent reader and eloquent speaker. This could be anyone from a parent or other relative to an English teacher at your school.

Continue reading the article below the scholarship list.

25 First in Family Scholarships with Approaching Deadlines

  • 1

  • Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation Education Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineDecember 15, 2024

Each year, the Jeffery Isaiah David Memorial Foundation will award scholarships to graduating high school seniors and continuing education students seeking to continue their higher educational goals. The scholarships are allocated for the current school year. They must be utilized to assist with expenses related to attending college, vocational, or trade school of their choice for tuition, fees,

  • 2

  • Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineDecember 31, 2024

The Ted & Holly Rollins Scholarship was created to provide a semiannual scholarship that is open to students nationally. The applications will require essays of 500 words. Scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors based on the most compelling stories -- regarding their life story, their intended field of study, career and how they will make an impact on the world. Scholarship

  • 3

  • University of Alabama Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJanuary 15, 2025

The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship at The University of Alabama supports incoming in-state freshmen who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. This competitive scholarship is awarded through an interview process during the senior year of high school and provides financial support for up to four years, provided recipients maintain program requirements. Scholarship

  • 4

  • Dorrance Scholarship

  • Amount$48,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 5, 2025

The Dorrance Scholarship for first-generation students is a need-based award providing financial and academic support for Arizona high school graduates pursuing an undergraduate degree at one of Arizona’s public universities. The award is renewable for a total of eight semesters (four years) of funding. Applicants must be high school seniors who are Arizona residents, first-generation college

  • 5

  • VSAC Taigh Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2025

The Taigh Scholarship was established to inspire and encourage residents of Peacham to pursue a post-secondary education, especially among rural students who may be the first in their families to attend college. Applicants must attend an accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding (Pell grants, Stafford loans, PLUS loans); reside in Caledonia County and demonstrate financial need and

  • 6

  • Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 12, 2025

To be eligible for the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship, applicants must: be a high school senior who will graduate from an eligible school (preference is given to applicants who are among the first generation in their families to attend college); be pursuing an undergraduate degree; be enrolled full-time; have a 2.5 GPA; demonstrate financial need; demonstrate school/community involvement;

  • 7

  • SVCF Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineFebruary 28, 2025

The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship was established by Ajay Shah, Lata Krishnan and their family. This scholarship program seeks to support financially needy students with academic potential and demonstrated community involvement, and provide meaningful and ongoing financial support to ensure that students complete their undergraduate degree. Applicants must be/have: Graduating high school

  • 8

  • King-Barton Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 4, 2025

The King-Barton scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to first-generation college student. This scholarship is non-renewable and the award amount varies each year. Other than that, this scholarship doesn't

  • 9

  • Emma E. Buckley Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMarch 4, 2025

The Emma E. Buckley Scholarship was established in honor of Emma E. Buckley, a long-time philanthropist in Kentucky. This renewable scholarship is awarded to high school seniors attending Woodford County High School and Fayette County Public Schools who demonstrate significant financial need. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Preference is given to first-generation college

  • 10

  • W.O. Davis Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 4, 2025

The W.O. Davis Memorial scholarship was established to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors attending Woodford County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to a first-generation college student. This is a non-renewable scholarship and the award amount varies each year. Applications run from early

  • 11

  • Jane Allen Newman Scholarship

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMarch 4, 2025

The Jane Allen Newman Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to high school seniors in Fayette, Harrison, or Union counties with significant financial need who wish to further pursue their education by attending college. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Preference given to first-generation college students. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years of undergraduate

  • 12

  • Thomas D. Urmston Scholarship

  • Amount$12,000
  • DeadlineMarch 4, 2025

The Thomas D. Urmston scholarship was established to provide scholarships to female students who are graduating high school seniors attending Harrison County High School who demonstrate significant financial need and have a cumulative GPA 3.0 or higher. Preference is given to first-generation college students. This provides an award of $3,000 that is renewable for up to four years of

  • 13

  • Arnold White Memorial Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2025

To apply, you must be a current graduating senior (or GED recipient) or former graduate from high schools in Lancaster County, planning to attend any qualified, nonprofit 2- or 4-year college/university. The applicant must meet minimum standards for institutional admission; however, need not excel academically or maintain a specific grade point average. Preference will be given to those students

  • 14

  • The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program

  • Amount$10,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2025

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation (the “Foundation”) anticipates awarding approximately $100,000 in scholarships. The Foundation intends to set the number of actual scholarships and the amount of an individual scholarship based on a consideration of certain factors, including without limitation, the financial resources and the qualifications of the scholarship recipients. This

  • 15

  • University of Colorado-Boulder First-Generation Scholarship

  • Amount$32,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2025

The First Generation Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate residents and nonresidents who have financial need and whose parent(s) or legal guardians do not have a bachelor's degree. During the first year, recipients are required to participate in the First Generation Scholars Program, offered through the Center for Inclusion & Social Change. Applicants must be incoming first-year resident

  • 16

  • Hendrick Scholarship Foundation

  • Amount$15,000
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2025

Having financial access to college does not guarantee success in college. To support our students, we provide ongoing guidance and assistance throughout their time in college. Students are awarded scholarships up to a maximum total of $15,000. Scholarship amount per semester varies based on GPA and credits, as well as whether the student starts at Collin College or a 4-year university. A typical

  • 17

  • University of Florida Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMarch 15, 2025

The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program boldly reimagines the first-generation student experience by providing transformative access, comprehensive scholarships, and elite support programs. The Machen Florida Opportunity Scholars program provides financial resources and individual support with the primary goal of graduating first generation, low-income undergraduate students. By

  • 18

  • Colorado State University First Generation Award

  • Amount$20,000
  • DeadlineApril 1, 2025

The Colorado State University First Generation Award is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, are admitted by March 1, have parents who did not receive bachelor’s degrees, and who meet all other eligibility criteria. The selection process is very competitive and there are a limited number of awards available. Applications open on October 1st and the deadline to apply is April 1st.

  • 19

  • Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineApril 15, 2025

The Balkhi Foundation Higher Education Scholarship seeks to help talented young people make college more attainable through a scholarship. These ten annual renewable awards are granted to exceptional high school seniors accepted to a US-based college or university who demonstrate a financial need. An ideal applicant for a Balkhi Foundation Scholarship is a student who has shown dedication to

  • 20

  • OCA Gold Mountain Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineApril 21, 2025

The title of this scholarship program calls back to a time when many Asian immigrants looked upon America as a mountain of golden opportunities for themselves and their families. Awardees of the scholarship seek dreams of higher education, which are not only the dreams of the students but also of their parents and extended family. Applicants must identify as Asian American or Pacific

  • 21

  • OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarship

  • Amount$2,500
  • DeadlineApril 21, 2025

OCA offers scholarships for graduating high school seniors, rising college seniors, and students pursuing a Masters in Public Administration. Founded in 1973, OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is a 501(c)(3) national member-driven nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. with 50+ chapters and affiliates across the U.S. For almost 50 years, OCA-Asian Pacific Americans has been dedicated to advancing

  • 22

  • Editor World First-Generation Student Scholarship

  • Amount$1,000
  • DeadlineMay 1, 2025

The Editor World LLC is proud to offer the First-Generation Graduate Student Scholarship. This scholarship is dedicated to assisting first-generation students enrolled or enrolling in graduate degree programs with their educational expenses. Scholarship Details Amount: $1,000.00 USD Use: Aid with books, supplies, or any educational expenses Offering: Fall 2024 Payment: Directly to the

  • 23

  • Dolores Bush Scuderi and Richard J. Scuderi Scholarship

  • AmountVaries
  • DeadlineMay 3, 2025

To be eligible for the Dolores Bush Scuderi and Richard J. Scuderi Scholarship, applicants must: be an undergraduate or graduate student enrolling at any Penn State campus; demonstrate superior academic success; demonstrate financial need, as determined by the FAFSA; and be in good standing, as determined by the Office of Judicial Affairs. Preference is for first generation students (i.e., first

  • 24

  • Central California Asian Pacific Women Scholarship

  • Amount$2,000
  • DeadlineMay 18, 2025

Central California Asian Pacific Women (CCAPW) scholarships are available for the coming academic year. The scholarships provide financial assistance to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) women pursuing higher education who are from Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, or Tulare County. Applications will be evaluated based on the following priorities but not limited

  • 25

  • Forward Freethought First in the Family Humanist Scholarship

  • Amount$5,000
  • DeadlineJune 21, 2025

Six $5000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors (only) of color (African American, Latinx, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American) who identify as agnostic, atheist, humanist, freethinker and/or secular. Students who are (or have been) in foster care, homeless, undocumented, disabled and/or LGBTQI+ are encouraged to apply. We are committed to promoting the work of black

Frequently Asked Questions about First-Generation Students

The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program is not just for first-generation students, but does prioritize them in their application pool. Applicants must be enrolling in their first year of college, but do not have to currently be high school seniors.

The Dr. Jason and Nicole Green African American First-Generation College Scholarship is a $1,000 scholarship given to an African-American student who is the first in their family to attend college. Many colleges have their own first-generation scholarships. Ask the financial aid department if there are any such opportunities available.

If you are the child of an immigrant who attended college in their home country, you may still be considered a first-generation student in the US. However, if your parents went back to school in the States, then you may no longer be a first-generation student.

First-generation students may be eligible for federal and state grants, but they will have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. They may also qualify for subsidized federal loans, which do not accrue interest while in school and during any deferment periods. Completing the FAFSA can also help you be eligible for more awards through your school. Contact the financial aid department if you’re having trouble completing the FAFSA.

First-generation students who are part of a minority group should also apply for scholarships related to their race, ethnicity or other distinguishing factor. For example, there are many Hispanic scholarships, African-American scholarships or LGBTQ scholarships.

Also, if you're a single parent going to school, you can look for awards available for those households. Brainstorm every unique quality you have and try to find awards that fit those characteristics. Even if a scholarship is not explicitly for first-generation students, you should still mention it in the essay portion. This may help you stand out among other applicants.

In general, having a parent who attended or graduated from vocational or trade school does not disqualify you from being a first-generation student. If you are not certain, it is a good idea to ask the scholarship provider if you meet the eligibility requirements. In some cases, having a sibling who has already attended or graduated college may disqualify you. This depends on the specific scholarship provider and their definition of a first-generation student.