7 answers
Jacqueline
Student
Allentown, Pennsylvania
1
Question
Asked
1586 views
Where can I find scholarships meant for first generation students?
I am a first generation college student and American. College has been very hard for me because I had no one to ask for help when it came to FAFSA or scholarships.
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7 answers
Karli Helm
Copywriter
15
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Karli’s Answer
Give some of these sites a try. A lot of them let you type in specific demographic information like race, intended major, where you're from, if you're a first generation college student, etc.
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/
And here is an article that gives tips and tricks about getting scholarship and grant help. So many scholarships go unused each year - this breaks down how to track down scholarships you're highly likely to get.
https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/unclaimed-scholarship-guide/#:~:text=Other%20ways%20to%20find%20unclaimed,organizations%20if%20they%20offer%20scholarships
Happy scholarship hunting!
https://www.niche.com/colleges/scholarships
https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/
And here is an article that gives tips and tricks about getting scholarship and grant help. So many scholarships go unused each year - this breaks down how to track down scholarships you're highly likely to get.
https://www.sofi.com/learn/content/unclaimed-scholarship-guide/#:~:text=Other%20ways%20to%20find%20unclaimed,organizations%20if%20they%20offer%20scholarships
Happy scholarship hunting!
Kim Utterback
Forensic (Masters)
5
Answers
Moapa Valley, Nevada
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hello there,
Scholarships can be found in many places. I am not sure if you are still in high school but if so your guidance counselor would be a great resource. If they are not available the college you have been accepted to also has great information. I went back to school when I was older and had 5 children, also first generation college. I qualified for the PELL grant and because I had said children I took out student loans.
I used to help my students look for grants as a part of one of their classes. The intent has an abundance of them; but beware of scammers. All they want is your personal information. Make sure it is reputable and check to make sure it is real.
Best of luck.
Scholarships can be found in many places. I am not sure if you are still in high school but if so your guidance counselor would be a great resource. If they are not available the college you have been accepted to also has great information. I went back to school when I was older and had 5 children, also first generation college. I qualified for the PELL grant and because I had said children I took out student loans.
I used to help my students look for grants as a part of one of their classes. The intent has an abundance of them; but beware of scammers. All they want is your personal information. Make sure it is reputable and check to make sure it is real.
Best of luck.
Sanjeev G
Content Writer and Copy Writer
8
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sanjeev’s Answer
Dear friend, being a pioneer as a first-generation college student can indeed seem intimidating. But don't worry, there are scholarships designed specifically for trailblazers like you, ready to support you on this academic adventure.
In our tech-savvy era, turn to online scholarship search engines such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com. They house extensive databases, customized for first-gen students like you, in search of that golden opportunity.
A trip to your college's financial aid office could be highly rewarding. With their wealth of information, they can reveal both on-campus and external scholarships, designed to meet your first-gen requirements.
But wait, there's more! Immerse yourself in the world of first-gen college student organizations, located right on your campus. Here, you'll meet like-minded individuals and discover a trove of knowledge about scholarships and resources ready for your exploration.
Set out on a journey to the offices of diversity and inclusion, where scholarships for underrepresented students like you might be found. A plethora of opportunities is calling!
Beyond the confines of your campus, investigate the local community organizations and foundations. Here, scholarships designed to uplift first-gen students from the community may flourish.
On a national level, organizations like the First Generation Foundation and the Center for First-generation Student Success are eager to help. Their mission is to alleviate your financial stress and ignite your ambition.
Turn your attention to government programs and state agencies, where financial aid and scholarships for first-gen students could be within your reach. Perhaps, a prize awaits!
And don't overlook the potential of essay contests and competitions. Your unique first-gen story could be the key to unlocking scholarship success!
As you set off on this journey, remember, the road may be challenging, but you're not alone. Seek advice from your college's financial aid office, academic advisors, and knowledgeable professors. They will provide guidance and support throughout your journey. Don't be afraid, dear first-gen scholar, a brighter academic future is on the horizon! March forward, with determination, for scholarships are within your reach!
Feel free to hit me up for more advice on IG @ sanjeevganesh_raju08
In our tech-savvy era, turn to online scholarship search engines such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com. They house extensive databases, customized for first-gen students like you, in search of that golden opportunity.
A trip to your college's financial aid office could be highly rewarding. With their wealth of information, they can reveal both on-campus and external scholarships, designed to meet your first-gen requirements.
But wait, there's more! Immerse yourself in the world of first-gen college student organizations, located right on your campus. Here, you'll meet like-minded individuals and discover a trove of knowledge about scholarships and resources ready for your exploration.
Set out on a journey to the offices of diversity and inclusion, where scholarships for underrepresented students like you might be found. A plethora of opportunities is calling!
Beyond the confines of your campus, investigate the local community organizations and foundations. Here, scholarships designed to uplift first-gen students from the community may flourish.
On a national level, organizations like the First Generation Foundation and the Center for First-generation Student Success are eager to help. Their mission is to alleviate your financial stress and ignite your ambition.
Turn your attention to government programs and state agencies, where financial aid and scholarships for first-gen students could be within your reach. Perhaps, a prize awaits!
And don't overlook the potential of essay contests and competitions. Your unique first-gen story could be the key to unlocking scholarship success!
As you set off on this journey, remember, the road may be challenging, but you're not alone. Seek advice from your college's financial aid office, academic advisors, and knowledgeable professors. They will provide guidance and support throughout your journey. Don't be afraid, dear first-gen scholar, a brighter academic future is on the horizon! March forward, with determination, for scholarships are within your reach!
Sanjeev recommends the following next steps:
Molly Hollingsworth
HR Clerk
80
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Jacqueline,
Great question! I partook in multiple scholarships in order to diminish my pay when going into college. I will say that that a tremendous beneficiary that helped me personally was looking into different clubs and organizations around where I lived. Most likely, these organizations would offer a scholarship that you would need to apply here. Various were indeed competitive, but with the right essay and information put into the many applications, they were a great help in me dwindling my bill within my college organization. For that very reason, I would recommend reaching out to various organizations around your town or city, and asking if scholarships are being released. It goes a long way, and you do not have to be apart of a sport organization either!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank You
Molly H.
Great question! I partook in multiple scholarships in order to diminish my pay when going into college. I will say that that a tremendous beneficiary that helped me personally was looking into different clubs and organizations around where I lived. Most likely, these organizations would offer a scholarship that you would need to apply here. Various were indeed competitive, but with the right essay and information put into the many applications, they were a great help in me dwindling my bill within my college organization. For that very reason, I would recommend reaching out to various organizations around your town or city, and asking if scholarships are being released. It goes a long way, and you do not have to be apart of a sport organization either!
I hope this helped, and good luck in your endeavors!
Thank You
Molly H.
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
657
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
I would check out the college foundation, of the institution that you wish to attend. Many college foundations have scholarships for first generation college students.
I would also check to see if the college has a TRIO program, which is a federally supported program that supports first generation college students. Many TRIO projects have financial resources to help first grneration students, or can assist you in applying for scholarships.
I would also check to see if the college has a TRIO program, which is a federally supported program that supports first generation college students. Many TRIO projects have financial resources to help first grneration students, or can assist you in applying for scholarships.
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
The great news is that many foundations, corporations and colleges themselves first generation or first in family scholarships. You can Google these terms land get more information. I would also check directly with colleges to which you are interested in applying. In interviews and essays, you also should highlight that you will be a first generation college student.
Becky Haluska
Content Developer
57
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Becky’s Answer
Your school can serve as a valuable source for the information you need. Schedule a meeting with the financial aid office and have a discussion with a financial advisor about potential scholarship opportunities they might be aware of.
Also, consider reading these insightful articles by Forbes and U.S. News on how to find scholarships:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/how-to-find-and-secure-scholarships-for-college
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/
Wishing you success in your college journey.
Also, consider reading these insightful articles by Forbes and U.S. News on how to find scholarships:
https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/how-to-find-and-secure-scholarships-for-college
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/student-loans/best-scholarship-websites/
Wishing you success in your college journey.