Top 31 First Generation Scholarships for Students in September 2023

Open to any BIPOC and/or female high school senior or undergraduate who is a first-generation, low-income student interested in STEM.

The Sharen and Mila Kohute Scholarship is a beacon of hope for first-generation female students who face unique obstacles when pursuing higher education. This scholarship honors the memory of Mila Kohute, who represents untapped potential, and Sharen Kohute, who personified hard work. Together, they inspire their family to create opportunities for new college students. This opportunity is open to female high school seniors and undergraduate students in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, or Virginia who are first-generation college students. To apply, tell the Kohute family about someone who has impacted your life by helping you discover your full potential.

Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.

Open to US-Based high school students in the classes of 2024 and 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.

The José Ventura and Margarita Melendez Mexican-American Scholarship Fund is a tribute to a beloved father who left the world too soon. Although his conditions made him unable to complete his own high school education, he ensured that each of his children were able to graduate from a four-year college, a testament to his unwavering support and commitment to their education. He believed that education held the key to unlocking opportunities and empowering individuals to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. Thus, this scholarship aims to honor José Melendez's memory by supporting Mexican-American students who share his passion for education and overcoming barriers. Any Mexican or Mexican-American student who has graduated high school and is or will be a first-generation undergraduate student may apply for this scholarship. To apply, share your story and why you're passionate about being a first-generation, Mexican-American student.

The APHA Kaiser Permanente Community Health Scholarship is an initiative to create a group of diverse, underrepresented public health leaders who are committed to improving the health of our most vulnerable communities and supporting achievement of health equity for all in the nation. The scholarship supports the education of newly admitted graduate students beginning their MPH or DrPH/PhD in public health this upcoming fall at one of the APHA's eight partner universities. Preference is given to those who identify as first-generation college graduates; persons from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; and those who classify under race/ethnicity groups such as Black or African American, Asian, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and individuals from other communities of color or underrepresented populations.

Are you a first-generation or low-income college student from an Asian American or Pacific Islander background? Further, are you currently enrolled full-time at an AANAPISI (Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution) partner university? If so, consider applying for the AANAPISI scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $5,000 to eligible applicants who believe in the importance of community service and demonstrate the diversity of the APIA community. The scholarship is offered by APIA Scholars, the “nation’s leading non-profit organization devoted to the academic, personal and professional success of Asian & Pacific Islander Americans.” If you’re an Asian or Pacific Islander student at an AANAPISI partner institution who meets the eligibility criteria, we encourage you to apply for the AANAPISI Scholarship! 

The APIA Scholarship Program is funded by APIA Scholars, an organization that looks to make a difference in the lives of APIA students by providing them with resources that increase their access to higher education. Each year, their APIA Scholarship Program awards scholarships worth up to $20,000 to help multiple low-income or first-generation APIA students fund their education. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.

Are you a graduate student from an underrepresented minority group who is committed to improving communities of color, particularly communities of African descent? If so, you might consider applying for the APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship! The APF Queen-Nellie Evans Scholarship is open to minority graduate students enrolled in accredited master's or doctoral programs. This scholarship is funded by the American Psychological Foundation, a grant-making organization that funds early career psychologists and graduate students. Each year, one lucky student is awarded the scholarship to help pay for their graduate studies with a focus on improving the disparity and issues that negatively impact communities of color. If you’re passionate about psychology and are looking for some help funding your graduate studies, we encourage you to apply!

Introducing the Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship, a tribute to a cherished father and the middle child among eleven siblings, whose circumstances compelled him to enter the workforce prematurely and leave his high school dreams behind. However, recognizing the limited job prospects available to him, he understood that obtaining his high school diploma was the key to unlocking a better life for his loved ones, and headed back to the classroom. This prestigious scholarship aims to honor the memory of Charles Pulling Sr. by empowering those who also wish to enhance their families' lives through education. Whether you are a high school or GED student, an undergraduate pursuing a non-traditional path, a first-generation student, a single parent, someone who took a break from education before returning, or over the age of 25, you are invited to apply. To apply, reveal what sets you apart as a non-traditional student and what fuels your relentless pursuit of greatness.

The First in the Family Scholarship will award outstanding First-Generation students with scholarships to help with tuition needs. Applicants must be registered NSCS members. Further scholarship information will be emailed to NSCS members.

Are you a first-generation college student from Florida who is currently (or will soon be) attending a public Florida university? If so, consider applying for the First Generation Matching Grant Program! This is a need-based grant program offered to first-generation Florida residents attending any public university in the state. Bear in mind that each university has its own application procedure, deadline, eligibility criteria, and award amount. However, each will require you to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in order to determine financial need. The program is provided by the Florida Department of Education. If you’re a first-generation college student and Florida resident who will soon be enrolling in a public Florida university, we encourage you to submit your FAFSA and apply! Be sure to check and complete your institution’s specific application requirements as well.

Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student currently or planning to enroll in a postsecondary school? If so, consider applying to the Design Your Future Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship offers two $2,500 awards to applicants who write an essay about their dream future life and career, and how they plan on achieving such goals with the help of the scholarship. While every student is welcome to apply, bear in mind that preference will be given to underrepresented minorities and those pursuing design and engineering-related fields. The scholarship is funded by Chairish, an online, vintage furniture, art, and home accessories platform. If you want to “design your future” and potentially earn some money to fund your journey too, we encourage you to apply!

The Brown Girls Do, Inc. College Scholarship is funded by Brown Girls Do Ballet, an organization dedicated to helping increase the participation of underrepresented populations in ballet programs. This awareness is brought through organizing and arranging ballet performances, photo exhibitions, and providing resources and scholarships to assist young girls in their ballet development and training. Each year, the Brown Girls Do, Inc. College Scholarship awards $2,000 to multiple, full-time, female undergraduate students of color with a strong dance background. Priority will be given to first-generation students in college who demonstrate financial need, however, we invite all who qualify to apply. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more details.

The Douglass M. Hamilton Memorial Scholarship is a beacon of hope for low-income students in Oregon. Pursuing higher education can be a daunting task, especially for those who face financial burdens. This scholarship is designed to honor the memory of Douglass M. Hamilton by providing financial assistance to low-income students who are first-generation college students. If you're a low-income student in Oregon, this exclusive scholarship opportunity is for you. To apply, share your story and detail the obstacles you've overcome, your family's background, and how you plan to use your education in the future. Apply and take the first step towards achieving your dreams!

The Empowered Voices Scholarship is for Black, Brown, and first-generation-to-college students who are interested in learning about communications majors and careers. This communications career-focused scholarship encourages you to increase your awareness about the field’s many career opportunities. Applicants have the chance to earn one of the fifteen $1,000 scholarships.

The First Generation Fund is dedicated to supporting students who are the first in their families to pursue post-secondary education. This scholarship is designed to enhance any other scholarships the applicant may receive from the Foundation. Apply for a chance to receive help funding your postsecondary education!

On To the Future (OTF) is a scholarship opportunity for those pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited North American institution or recent college graduates residing in North America. This scholarship is open to individuals from the following underrepresented communities in the geosciences: low-income, people of color, first-generation, non-traditional, women, veterans, LGBTQIA+, and/or persons with disabilities. Applicants must have never attended a GSA Connects annual meeting. If you fit this criteria, we encourage you to apply - don't take this opportunity for granite!

Are you a first-generation American (you were born in the United States, but your parents were not)? Further, are you a Wyoming resident and high school senior between the ages of 18 and 22? If all those statements apply, consider applying for the Douvas Memorial Scholarship! The scholarship awards $500 to one eligible applicant who enrolls at the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college. After a winner is chosen, the money is to be used for that student’s educational expenses for the upcoming school year. The scholarship was created by the Wyoming Department of Education in honor of Peter George Douvas, an immigrant from Greece who generously left a sum of his money to the Wyoming Department of Education.  If you’re a first-generation American, high school senior, and Wyoming resident, we encourage you to apply for the Douvas Memorial Scholarship!

Study.com's First Generation College Student Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education. This scholarship offers a $1,000 academic award to any first-generation student who is currently pursuing their undergraduate or graduate degree. Don't miss out on this chance to further your education and pave the way for future generations!