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. Various government and private organizations offer this grant.
Most often, these grants help to make college more affordable for youngsters from lower-income families.
In addition, the grant motivates students to continue their education and become the first in their families to get a college degree.
The eligibility criteria for first-generation college student grants vary due to different sources. Hence, it is strongly advised that you 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 cannot 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 for this grant varies. However, scholarship recipients must renew their scholarships every three years.
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 addition to Federal Pell Grant recipients. Students enrolled in a 2-year or 4-year university or college course can avail of this scholarship.
This scholarship aims to motivate American college students to participate in international internships and study abroad programs.
The Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program awards vary. Recipients can receive up to $5,000; additional funding is available for students studying a critical-needs language.
Visit the official website at https://www.iie.org/programs/gilman-scholarship-program/ to learn specific details about eligibility criteria and the application process for this scholarship grant.
3 – Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship
The Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship was established in 2005. This grant aims to help eligible college students to pay for their post-secondary education. Eligibility criteria require applicants to be residents of the State of Maryland.
The Cynthia E. Morgan Memorial Scholarship requires applicants to be the first in their immediate family to attend any accredited post-secondary institution.
This program offers as much as US$ 1,000 to successful applicants. To learn 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 the 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 pursue a full-time undergraduate course in math, science, architecture, transportation, PreMed, environmental design, psychology or Spanish language or literature.
The Fontana Transport Inc. Scholars Program is open to all applicants regardless of citizenship, provided they meet other eligibility criteria, such as being first-generation college students and pursuing specific fields of study, with a required 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 and community volunteer work. It also considers their involvement in extracurricular activities, church service, or employment.
High school seniors accepted into a 4 or 5-year architecture or engineering course can apply for this first-generation college student grant.
Successful applicants can receive between US$ 1,000 and US$ 5,000 under this scholarship program.
Visit the official website at https://www.heef.org/scholarships/ to learn more about this grant’s eligibility criteria and application process.
Conclusion
These are the top six sources for seeking 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
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