How do I find scholarships as a first-gen student in the US?

Are you a high school student whose parents were unable to go to a four-year college and earn a degree? If so, you're a first-generation ("first-gen") student.

Your journey to getting a degree likely won't be easy especially because of the high cost of a higher education. From working multiple jobs, to federal student aid (if you're eligible) and student loans, discovering scholarships for first-gen students to pay for school is a must.

Take it from the two medical students in the video below who overcame many barriers, including financial ones:

As a first-gen student who earned two degrees debt-free and without federal student aid or loans thanks to merit scholarships, I'll help you explore three ways tofind scholarships for first generation students and make your dream of earning a degree come true. If I can do it, you can too!

High school is a great time to start exploring scholarships for first generation students.

• Talk to teachers, coaches, school counselors, and classmates about your dream.

• Take Advanced Placement (AP) or dual-enrollment classes to earn college credit as soon as possible.

• Complete the Common App.

• Explore QuestBridge, Scholarship America, or BigFuture. If you’re an immigrant first-gen student, make sure you check out the MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide, First-Gen Empower, and The Immigrants Rising List of Scholarships and Fellowships..

You'd be surprised to learn how many people are interested in supporting your academic goals!

Make it known that you're committed to advancing yourself through education by contacting your local churches, businesses, government, and non-profits. Even a guardian's workplace may have scholarships for first generation students.

Examples:

• Maine: Maine Community Foundation

• New Mexico: Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico

• Alaska: The Alaska Community Foundation

• West Virginia: The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation

If you’ve already been accepted into a university or college, congratulations! As soon as possible, contact your school about being a first-gen student. Whether you speak with someone in the financial aid office or student support services, it is important to communicate your background and needs early on. 

Some schools have dedicated centers for first-gen students which will help you network with other first-gen students and faculty as well as find scholarships your school may offer directly.

Here are a few examples of great first-gen success centers:

• Florida International University

• University of California

• PennState

• The University of Utah

Is your school missing a first-gen success center? Don’t be afraid to ask them to open one. You can even help out and gain leadership experience!

When your dream is to be the first in your family to earn a degree, you know that nothing will ever be handed over to you on a silver platter. You’ll have to consistently put in the work and humbly ask for help when you need it.

Are you prepared to do that? Well, it looks like you’re on the right track if you’ve gotten this far. Go for it!