Scholarships For First-Generation College Students
First-generation college students face unique challenges, but many organizations and institutions offer scholarships to support their academic journey. Here are some of the best scholarships available:
1. Coca-Cola First-Generation Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-generation college students with strong academic records
- Award: Varies by institution
- How to Apply: Check participating colleges and universities that offer this scholarship through the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
2. The Gates Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-generation, high-achieving minority students with financial need
- Award: Covers full cost of attendance, including tuition, books, and living expenses
- How to Apply: Visit www.thegatesscholarship.org
3. The Dell Scholars Program
- Eligibility: First-generation students enrolled in a college readiness program (like AVID or Upward Bound)
- Award: $20,000 plus a laptop and mentoring support
- How to Apply: Visit www.dellscholars.org
4. Horatio Alger Association Scholarships
- Eligibility: First-generation students with financial need who have overcome personal challenges
- Award: Up to $25,000
- How to Apply: Visit www.horatioalger.org
5. Generation Google Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-generation students pursuing computer science or tech-related degrees
- Award: $10,000
- How to Apply: Visit buildyourfuture.withgoogle.com
6. QuestBridge National College Match
- Eligibility: First-generation, low-income students applying to top universities
- Award: Full four-year scholarships to partner universities
- How to Apply: Visit www.questbridge.org
7. First in Family Scholarship (Scholarship America)
- Eligibility: First-generation college students with strong academic performance
- Award: Varies by funding availability
- How to Apply: Check Scholarship America’s website for updates
8. McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-generation Hispanic students in the U.S.
- Award: Up to $100,000
- How to Apply: Visit www.mcdonalds.com/hacer
9. The Greenhouse Scholars Program
- Eligibility: First-generation students with leadership skills and community service experience
- Award: Up to $20,000 plus mentorship opportunities
- How to Apply: Visit www.greenhousescholars.org
10. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: First-generation, high-achieving students with financial need
- Award: Up to $55,000 per year
- How to Apply: Visit www.jkcf.org
