There are several characteristics that the top first generation college students scholarships share. While they may vary in terms of cost, requirements for enrollment, or eligibility, they are all intended to give low-income students equal access to educational opportunities.
A first-generation student can realize the American dream in the same way as any other student thanks to these scholarships, which support every student’s right to an equitable education.
First Generation College Students Scholarships
Scholarship By TELACU
Qualifications:
- 5 GPA
- Newly arriving freshmen
- A first-time college attendee
- Applied full-time
This College Success Program, supported by the TELACU Education Foundation, is more than just a scholarship program. In addition, it provides workshops, career counseling, tutoring, and internship possibilities.
Although there are some requirements for renewal, such as a strong academic record and a certain amount of volunteer work, this is an excellent program for committed college students who want to succeed in life.
Grants For Talent Incentive Programs
Qualifications:
- New freshman
- Has to enroll in a university in Wisconsin
- Must provide proof of both a need for money and disadvantageous or “non-traditional” circumstances.
Low-income students in Wisconsin are eligible to apply for the Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grants, which are offered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. They are renewable for a maximum of ten semesters at a time and range in price from six hundred dollars to $1,800 annually.
The TIP Grants are notable for the requirement that students fulfill two distinct categories of criteria: monetary need and disadvantaged conditions. Although it’s not a requirement, being a first-generation college student may make you eligible for the second requirement.
The Smith Scholarship Foundation
Qualifications:
- Senior in high school
- A “C” average or above
- Requires residency in Alabama and enrollment at an Alabama university
The estate of the late Avondale Mills heiress provides funding for the Smith Scholarship Foundation. It is given to Alabama high school seniors who wish to attend an Alabama university to pursue higher education.
In addition to completing the forms, applicants must submit two personal essays and get three recommendation letters from community leaders, coaches, parents, or teachers. Although there are some limitations depending on factors like credits and work hours, the scholarship is renewable.
Scholarship By IFSA
Qualifications:
- A first-time college attendee
The Institute for Study Abroad, a group that assists students in traveling the world and attending international universities, provides funding for IFSA scholarships. First-time, economically disadvantaged pupils who are unable to pay for a semester abroad without assistance are the target audience for the First-Time College Student Scholarship.
It provides up to $2,500 while paying for travel, lodging, passport and visa application fees, and other related costs. A 500-word personalized essay outlining the applicant’s aspirations and goals as the debut member of their family to attend college is required, along with a CV.
Scholarship By VAMOS
Qualifications:
- A resident of Texas
- A GPA of 2.5 or placing in the top 30% of the graduating class
- Fulfills all Pell Grant qualifying requirements
Students attending high school in the Texas communities of Cameron County, Starr, and Hidalgo are eligible to apply for VAMOS Scholarships. There are numerous that provide up to $5,000 towards tuition. All four years of schooling are renewable for at least one.
Although they aren’t intended exclusively for first-generation college students, high-achieving students from all backgrounds can apply because they are given out on the basis of merit and financial need.
First Generation College Students Scholarships
Scholarship By Cynthia Morgan
Qualifications:
- Must be a resident of Maryland
- Intending to enroll in a college within Maryland
- Pursuing a healthcare degree
- First-generation college student
High school students in Maryland who aspire to pursue a healthcare-related degree, such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, laboratory science, or occupational therapy, can apply for the Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship Fund.
This scholarship awards $1,000 to eligible applicants who meet the stated criteria, including being first-generation college students planning to attend a Maryland college or university.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship
Requirements:
- Maintain a 3.0 GPA
- Be a graduating high school senior
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation provides various scholarships, including a specific one aimed at incoming college freshmen known as the Coca-Cola Scholars Scholarship. This scholarship grants $5,000 per year for four years, totaling $20,000, and is awarded to 150 students each year.
Additionally, some universities receive support from the foundation to offer the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship, but availability and eligibility criteria vary by institution. If interested, you should seek out these opportunities individually.
Scholarship Program For Native American Students
Eligibility Criteria:
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Attend a non-profit university or tribal school
- Be an enrolled member of a recognized American Indian tribe
The Full Circle Scholarship, administered by the American Indian College Fund, is designed to support students of Native American heritage pursuing full-time education at a college or tribal school. To be eligible, either the applicant or their parents must be enrolled members of a federally recognized American Indian tribe.
Applicants are required to submit documentation, including transcripts, a photograph, and a personal essay. Successful candidates may receive a renewable four-year scholarship to assist them throughout their academic journey.
Scholarships Provided By The Community Foundation Of Shelby County
Requirements:
Individuals currently enrolled in college or aiming to pursue higher education.
Top scholarships for first-generation college students are designed to accommodate individuals with various skills and interests, and the Community Foundation of Shelby County is a prime example of this inclusivity.
They provide numerous scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,500. Notably, the Layton Family Foundation Scholarship, offering $1,000, targets first-generation college students. Additionally, scholarships are available for athletes, veterans, valedictorians, and community college attendees. Eligibility criteria vary from minimum GPA thresholds to residency mandates in Shelby County, Ohio.
Scholarship By Fontana Transport Inc
Requirements:
- Maintaining a 3.5 GPA
- Currently a high school senior
- Classified as low-income or belonging to underrepresented groups
- Pursuing a degree in specified fields including math, science, engineering, transportation management, or similar disciplines
The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program, though sponsored by a California-based trucking company, extends eligibility beyond California residents. Any student meeting the criteria of being low-income or a first-generation college student can apply.
A strong academic background and a clear interest in one of the designated majors such as transportation management are prerequisites. The scholarship awards $5,000 and offers the possibility of renewal.
Scholarship By Red Thread Fellowship
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a female applicant.
- Should be an international student or a first-generation college student.
- Must be enrolling in a U.S. university.
The Red Thread Fellowship Program provides a $1,000 scholarship to female students with international backgrounds, including immigrants, foreign students, and those from underrepresented families who are the first in their family to attend college. Winners will also benefit from a year-long mentorship offered by the foundation, which includes career guidance and networking opportunities. While there are no specific residency or citizenship requirements, applicants must be planning to attend a university in the United States.
Conclusion:
First generation college students scholarships allows students from low income families to pursue their education at no cost. Go through the listed resources to ensure the best fit opportunity for you.
