First in Family Scholarships
The road to a college degree is paved with countless detours for the average student but if you’re the first in your family to choose that path, you should expect a road with even more twists and turns.
As a first-generation student, you’re challenged with navigating the college process without the learning curve that comes from having a college graduate to lean on. Relying on parents who cannot provide insight and first-hand knowledge on how to maximize your financial aid package or the importance of internship opportunities and networking while still in school is tough. And while figuring out how to balance a full course load with a part-time job and somewhat of a social life are skills you’ll develop along the way, most colleges and quite a few organizations offer scholarships specifically for first-generation students to help them thrive in higher education.
Saint Mary’s University, for example, started their First-Generation Initiative that offers access and financial support to first-generation students. The University of Iowa provides the First Generation Iowa program to first in family students, the University of Colorado Boulder has the First Generation Grant and Texas A&M University offers the Regents’ Scholarship.
Wherever you are in your college journey, Scholarships.com can help you reach your destination. Below is a list of some popular first-generation scholarships from our database of over 2.7 million awards. You can find even more scholarships by conducting a free college scholarship search and be well on your way to starting a new family tradition.
Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
March 07, Annually
Carol Hurley touched many lives. A counselor by profession, she was also a counselor by avocation. She had a sparkling smile and compassionate nature that provided comfort to her family and friends, as well as the most casual of acquaintances. Carol died in May 2004 at the age of 55. This scholarship was established by her friends, family, and colleagues. For 14 years, Carol served as a VSAC [...] More
TELACU David C. Lizarraga Fellowship
Application Deadlines:
February 28, Annually
Each year, the TELACU Education Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to students in California, Texas, Illinois and New York.
Minimum eligibility requirements: Must be a low income, first-generation college student, a full-time student for the entire academic year of the award, and attend one of TELACU's 36 partnering colleges and universities.
For applicants in California: Be a [...] More
Saint Mary’s University – First-Generation Initiative Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
February 01, Annually
Our service to first-generation college students exemplifies the mission and vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle. The First-Generation Initiative provides access to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota for qualifying students. It is designed to offer academic and personal support to first-generation college students as they transition into higher education. The initiative will also build the [...] More
College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)
Application Deadlines:
March 15, Annually
The College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) is a federally-funded grant available only during your college freshman year. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident, be obtaining your GED or high school diploma, and be seeking a four-year academic degree to be eligible.
You and/or your family must have been migrant or seasonal farm workers doing agricultural activities directly [...] More
Catawba College's McCorkle Scholarships\
Application Deadlines:
February 14, Annually
The McCorkle Scholarships are the most prestigious scholarships at Catawba.Consideration for the McCorkle Scholarship is by invitation only. In order to be considered for an invitation, students must first apply for admission to Catawba. Those subsequently invited to compete must provide a recommendation from a teacher or administrator and submit an essay of approximately 400-600 words (on a [...] More
First Generation Grant - University of Colorado Boulder
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The First Generation Grant is awarded to Colorado residents whose parents do not have any education or technical training beyond high school. Additionally, students awarded with the First Generation Grant have the opportunity to participate in the First Generation Scholars Program.
To qualify for the First Generation Grant, a student must:
- Be a Colorado resident
- Certify that neither [...] More
Florida First Generation Matching Grant
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) is a need-based grant program available to degree-seeking, resident, undergraduate students who demonstrate substantial financial need, are enrolled in eligible participating post secondary institutions, and whose parents have not earned baccalaureate or higher degrees. Available state funds are contingent upon matching contributions from [...] More
Diamonds in the Rough Ministry International Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
May 03, Annually
The hope of Diamonds in the Rough Ministry Intl. is to empower women down the road of self-discovery and self-worth in Jesus Christ. The Diamonds in the Rough Ministry Intl. Scholarship is for high school senior females who excel in all things, including academics, community service, and extracurricular activities.
Applicant Eligibility:
- Female
- High School Seniors
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 [...] More
Texas A&M University Regents' Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
March 15, Annually
The Regents' Scholarship is designed to assist first-generation college students in achieving their educational goals at Texas A&M University. Six hundred recipients will receive $5,000 per year for up to four years – with the ability to add other scholarship.
You must be a first-generation college student (neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree). Your family’s adjusted gross income must [...] More
Taigh Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
March 07, Annually
The Taigh (a Gaelic term for “home or dwelling”) Scholarship was established to inspire and encourage residents of Peacham, Vermont, to pursue a post-secondary education. The donors of this scholarship understand the challenges that students from rural areas face, particularly those who are the first in their family to attend post-secondary school. It is the donors’ intent that this scholarship [...] More
Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program TIP Grants
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant provides grant assistance to the most financially needy and educationally disadvantaged Wisconsin resident students attending colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin. First-time freshmen students are nominated for the TIP Grant by the school financial aid offices or by counselors of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP). To [...] More
Benjamin and Patricia Allen Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
Varies
This scholarship is given on behalf of Benjamin and Patricia Allen in honor of their dedication to the College of Business. This scholarship is funded by the Allens, University Faculty and Staff, business leaders, and the Dean's Advisory Council. Dr. Allen was Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of Iowa State University from 2002-2006. Dr. Allen is a Distinguished Professor of [...] More
Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
March 25, Annually
This scholarship was established in 2005 in the name of Cynthia E. Morgan, who passed away in October 2004 after a courageous, but all-too-brief, fight with stomach cancer. It has been established in an attempt to aid select college students in paying for their post-secondary education. This year’s scholarship is set at $1,000.
To be eligible for this scholarship, applicant must:
- Be a current [...] More