Scholarships for First-Generation Students: 10,000+ Opportunities

What is a First-Generation Student?

First-generation students are those whose parents do not have a four-year college degree. This means that they may face unique challenges in navigating the college admissions process and succeeding in higher education.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, first-generation students make up 39% of all undergraduates in the United States.

However, they are less likely to complete their degrees than students whose parents have college degrees.

Only 56% of first-generation students earn a bachelor's degree within six years, compared to 78% of students whose parents have a college degree.

Why Scholarships Matter for First-Generation Students

Scholarships can help first-generation students overcome the financial barriers to college and increase their chances of success.

According to a study by the University of California, Berkeley, first-generation students who receive scholarships are more likely to:

• Enroll in college
• Persist in college
• Graduate from college
• Earn higher grades
• Have higher incomes after college

How to Find Scholarships for First-Generation Students

There are many scholarships available to first-generation students. The best way to find these scholarships is to use a scholarship search engine.

There are many different scholarship search engines available, so you can choose one that is right for you.

Some popular scholarship search engines include:

• Fastweb
• Scholarships.com
• College Board
• Sallie Mae

You can also find scholarships by contacting your high school guidance counselor or college financial aid office.

10,000+ Scholarships for First-Generation Students

There are over 10,000 scholarships available to first-generation students. These scholarships vary in amount, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.

Some of the most popular scholarships for first-generation students include:

• The Gates Millennium Scholars Program
• The QuestBridge National College Match
• The Posse Foundation
• The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
• The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans Scholarships

How to Apply for Scholarships

The application process for scholarships varies depending on the scholarship program. However, there are some general tips that you can follow to increase your chances of winning a scholarship:

• Start your search early. The earlier you start looking for scholarships, the more time you will have to find the right ones and submit your applications.
• Be organized. Keep track of the scholarships that you apply for, the deadlines, and the requirements.
• Tailor your applications. Make sure that your applications are tailored to each scholarship program. Highlight your strengths and how you meet the eligibility requirements.
• Proofread your applications. Before you submit your applications, proofread them carefully for errors.

Conclusion

Scholarships can make a big difference in the lives of first-generation students.

If you are a first-generation student, I encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as possible.

With hard work and dedication, you can achieve your dream of a college education.

4 Useful Tables

Table 1: Scholarship Programs for First-Generation Students

Table 2: Scholarship Search Engines

Table 3: Tips for Applying for Scholarships

Table 4: Benefits of Scholarships for First-Generation Students