Dreamers who’ve become the first in their immediate family to attend higher education can benefit greatly from scholarships for first generation college students.
According to the NCES, around one-third of incoming freshmen in America qualify as first generation. Receiving a college acceptance letter is a milestone to celebrate, but heading into uncharted academic territory is challenging. First generation students can’t rely on parents or siblings who’ve attended college for guidance through the admission, financial aid, and registration processes. That’s partially why their dropout rate is four times higher than second generation students. Nearly 90 percent of low-income, first generation students leave college without a diploma.
Reverse these harrowing statistics and make your degree quest successful with help from these 20 great first generation student scholarships.
1. Arnold White Memorial Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
The Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) provides three Arnold White Memorial Scholarships annually for up to $1,500 apiece to financially needy Nebraska high school seniors from Lyons, Fairbury, and Lincoln who need help to attend two- or four-year colleges. Priority is given to first generation college students with low expected family contribution (EFC). The three-page application must arrive with an official transcript, Student Aid Report, and two letters of recommendation.
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
Deadline: March 3rd
Valued at $1,000, the Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) attracts over 80 applicants for two annual awards. Interested Vermonters graduating from high schools in Randolph, Rochester, Whitcomb, Windsor, and Woodstock who will be the first in their families to attend college can apply. Recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better with 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
Deadline: July 1st
The Colorado Educational Services and Developmental Association (CESDA) gifts six Diversity Scholarships for $1,000 each to “Centennial State” residents who identify with racial minorities, are first generation college students, or have undocumented DACA status. Eligible Colorado high school seniors must be accepted at two- or four-year colleges, register for 6+ credits, carry an overall GPA of 2.8 or higher, 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
Deadline: February 25th
Established in 2005, the Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 yearly to honor the Baltimore native whose life was tragically cut short by stomach cancer. It’s reserved for first generation college students who plan to attend accredited Maryland colleges to pursue medical-related professions. Acceptable majors include clinical laboratory science, nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, bioengineering, and public health. Applications are incomplete without 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
Deadline: February 8th
Named after Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance in 1999, the Dorrance Scholarship Programs are administered by the Arizona Community Foundation to support first generation college students financially. Recipients receive up to $12,000 annually to attend Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona. Eligibility criteria mandates graduating high school with a minimum 3.0 GPA, scoring at least 1040 on the SAT or 22 on the ACT, showing leadership in volunteer service, and participating 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
Deadline: None
The Max and Marian Farash Charitable Foundation has devoted $3.5 million to provide their First in Family Scholarships with full-tuition coverage for first generation college students to graduate debt-free. Since 2012, the program has helped youth from New York’s Monroe and Ontario counties whose parents didn’t earn a college education. Funding covers tuition, textbooks, and room and board at partnering institutions, including Nazareth College, SUNY Brockport, and 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
Deadline: May 15th
Under Statue 1009.701, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) funds the First Generation Matching Grant (FGMG) 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, graduate from Florida high schools, be accepted at one of the “Sunshine State’s” 11 public state of 28 public community colleges, enroll in 6+ credits each semester, and not 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
Deadline: March 15th
Committed to “Paving the road for college,” Fontana Transport Inc. initiated a $5,000 scholarship to assist, first generation students overcome financial obstacles to further their education. Interested candidates must be pursuing bachelor’s degrees in transportation, math, science, engineering, architecture, environmental design, psychology, or Spanish full-time at accredited U.S. schools. Even though 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
Deadline: February 24th
The Frederick and Demi Seguritan Scholarship is one of 13 programs managed by the Asian Pacific Fund that’s bestowing $5,000 yearly for $20,000 total. Funding supports incoming full-time freshmen at accredited colleges who are first generation Asian immigrants, excelling with a cumulative GPA above 3.0, exhibiting outstanding citizenship, and pursuing their interests in business. Applications are accepted from select California counties, including San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, and 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
Deadline: May 23rd
Strive for College hosts the I’m First! Scholarship Program annually to bestow four-year, $4,000 awards upon 10 graduating high school seniors 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, and Fordham University. Selection is based on students’ financial need, leadership experience, perseverance, community service, and blog writing skills rather than GPA.
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
Deadline: February 5th
Founded by the Avondale Mills CEO with a $10 million endowment in 2004, the J. Craig and Page T. Smith Scholarship receives nearly 1,000 applications annually from primarily low-income, first generation college students across Alabama. The Foundation provides up to full tuition and room and board at select in-state institutions 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
Deadline: March 15th
Created in Wayne Layton’s memory by the Community Foundation of Shelby County, the Layton Family Foundation Scholarship gifts $1,000 to first generation college students from western Ohio, including Sidney, Botkins, Kettlersville, Fort Loramie, and Lockington. Eligible high school seniors must plan to enroll full-time at accredited two- or four-year colleges, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, and 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
Deadline: None
The Minnesota Private College Council administers the Meslow First Generation Scholarships based on financial need to freshmen and sophomores from low- and modest-means families whose parents didn’t receive a college education. Qualified candidates must be United States citizens, be accepted at private institutions in the “North Star State,” hold a minimum 2.5 GPA, exhibit a history of community involvement, and have familial income under $50,000. Submitting an application isn’t necessary.
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
Since 1976, the Middletown Community Foundation (MCF) has delivered over $33 million with Ohio scholarship funds, including the Norman and Pat Hayes Scholarship. Named for a Lemon-Monroe High School teacher and his wife, the program supports graduating seniors from Monroe County 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 and matriculate full-time at four-year accredited colleges.
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. Offering $1,000, the renewable fund selects financially needy high school seniors across Rhode Island who are accepted into accredited two- or four-year U.S. institutions but their parents never obtained a college degree. Online applications are accepted every Spring with an official transcript, FAFSA form, and 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
First generation college students from immigrant families could benefit from the $500 Peter George Douvas Memorial Scholarship, which is administered by the Wyoming Department of Education each May. Funding can be applied at eight in-state institutions, including Casper College, Eastern Wyoming College, Sheridan College, and the University of Wyoming. To qualify, students must enroll full-time, apply for federal financial aid, have 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
Funded by The East Los Angeles Community Union (TELACU) since 1983, the College Success Program offers $500 to $5,000 with one-on-one mentoring to first generation college students living in California, Texas, Illinois, and New York. Eligibility criteria requires being from a low-income household, attending an accredited U.S. college full-time, obtaining a minimum “B-” average, and participating 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 (UNCF) partnered with Coca-Cola to provide 50 First Generation Scholarships of $5,000 for students attending the four member colleges in the Atlanta Metro: Spelman College, Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, or Interdenominational Theological Center. Interested candidates must have unmet financial need, be the first in their immediate family to attend college full-time, carry a minimum 3.0 GPA without probation, and pursue their 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
Worth $3,100 per semester or $6,200 total, the Walmart Foundation First Generation Scholarship is awarded by the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) to minority college freshmen whose parents didn’t finish an undergraduate degree. Selected recipients will attend of the United States’ 47 public HBCUs, exhibit leadership ability, have unmet financial need on the FAFSA, possess a cumulative GPA surpassing 2.5, and 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 (OSAC) catalog features over 500 possible scholarships for first generation students, especially the William D. and Ruth D. Roy Scholarship. Receiving this $1,000 award involves graduating from high school, living in Oregon, enrolling at least half-time at Portland State University or Oregon State University, holding a 2.7 GPA or higher, and being the first in their 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.