First Generation College Student Grants
First-generation college student grants are a type of financial aid. This financial assistance is offered to students who are the first from their families to attend college.
This aid is also aimed at students whose parents are not college graduates. There are various government and private organizations that offer this grant.
Most often, these grants help to make college more affordable for youngsters from lower-income families.
Besides this, the grant also motivates students to continue their education and be the first in their families to get a college degree.
Due to different sources, the eligibility criteria for first-generation college student grants vary. Hence, it is strongly advised to consult with your college and confirm that you fulfill the criteria for the relevant college grant.
Top 6 Sources of First Generation College Student Grants
Let’s take a quick look at some of the top sources you can seek first generation college student grants:

Top Sources of First Generation College Student Grants
1 – Benjamin and Patricia Allen Scholarship at Iowa State University
The Benjamin and Patricia Allen Scholarship is provided to eligible students who enroll at Iowa State University.
This scholarship prioritizes students who are the first in their families to attend college. This grant is awarded to students whose parents have been unable to acquire a graduate college degree.
Applicants for this scholarship grant should also be enrolled in the Ivy College of Business.
The specific individual scholarship amount varies for this grant. However, scholarship recipients need to renew their scholarship every 3 years.
For additional information on the eligibility criteria and application process for this scholarship, you can visit the official website at https://iastate.academicworks.com/opportunities/24815.
2 – Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program is awarded to undergraduate students who are US citizens.
This grant is an add-on to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Students who are enrolled at a 2-year or a 4-year university or college course can avail of this scholarship.
This scholarship is aimed at motivating American college students to participate in internships and study abroad programs around the globe.
Under this first generation college student grants program, recipients are awarded as much as US$ 5,000.
To learn specific details of eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship grant, you can visit the official website at https://www.iie.org/programs/gilman-scholarship-program.
3 – Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship
The Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005. This grant aims to help eligible college students to pay for their post-secondary education. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be residents of the State of Maryland.
Applicants should also be the first person in their family to attend a Maryland accredited post-secondary college.
This program offers as much as US$ 1,000 to successful applicants. To know more about this college student grant, you can visit the official website at http://www.cemsfund.com
4 – First Generation Matching Grant Program
The First Generation Matching Grant program is aimed at Florida residents who wish to attend college. This grant is awarded to students whose parents do not have college degrees.
The specific eligibility criteria for this first generation college student grant vary from college to college.
The college will also be responsible for awarding and disbursing the scholarship amount.
The specific college student grant amount under this program also varies. You can find out more details of eligibility criteria and the application process by visiting the official website at https://www.floridastudentfinancialaidsg.org/
5 – Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program
The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is aimed at deserving candidates from low-income households. Applicants for this first-generation college student grant should be the first in their families to attend college.
Applicants should be pursuing a full-time undergraduate course in math, science, architecture, transportation, PreMed, environmental design, psychology or Spanish language or literature.
Although this grant is provided to students who are non-US citizens they need to demonstrate a minimum 3.5 GPA. Under this initiative, successful applicants are awarded US$ 5,000 per year to pay for their college education expenses.
For more details on eligibility criteria and the application process, you can visit the official website at https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/
The HEEF Architecture and Engineering Scholarships are awarded to students who come from low-income families.
The eligibility criteria include the applicant’s academic achievements, community volunteer work. It also considers their involvement in extracurricular activities, church service or work employment.
High school seniors who have been accepted into a 4 or 5-year architecture or engineering course can apply for this first-generation college student grant.
Successful applicants can receive anywhere between US$ 1,000 and US$ 5,000 under this scholarship program.
To learn more details of the eligibility criteria and application process for this grant, you can visit the official website at https://www.heef.org/scholarships/.
Conclusion
These are the top six sources to seek first generation college student grants in the US.
There are numerous other similar grant and scholarship programs for deserving college students.
You can find out about other college grant programs by contacting the administration office at your college.
See Also
Student Loan Forgiveness for Healthcare Workers
Grants for Medical Students in UK
Research Grants for Medical Students
Grants for Unemployed Students
Grants to Pay Off Student Loans
Medical School Grants for Minorities
I am a dedicated healthcare researcher and an enthusiast specializing in medical grants, medical education and research. Through my articles, I aim to empower healthcare professionals and researchers with valuable insights and resources to navigate these critical aspects effectively.
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