Scholarships for First-Generation Students: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

Opportunities for First-Generation Families.

A college education increases the chances of first-generation students having a better life and breaking the chain of poverty. According to College Scholarship, affordability is crucial for first—generation students to complete their education.

Unfortunately, many first-generation students cannot afford tuition and other college expenses. The good news is that scholarships can close the gap between financial aid and college fees.

Graduates have a better chance of making more money than non-graduates. The Seeds Foundation clarifies that individuals with only a high school diploma experience difficulties trying to break the chain of poverty as adults.

Therefore, a college degree significantly reduces these hurdles. However, to break the cycle of poverty by attaining a college graduate degree, schools must be more affordable.

Access to scholarships makes college education more affordable for many students, including first-generation students. Scholarships enable students to select colleges of their choice and complete their education. 

Universities have recognized that diversity and inclusion are vital aspects of the social fabric that propel societal growth and sustainability. Consequently, to break barriers to higher education, universities have increased scholarships for minority groups and first-generation students. 

The following list of scholarships illustrates some of the financial support programs available for first-generation students.

The Odyssey Scholarship Program

The Odyssey is a University of Chicago program offering financial, career, social, and academic support to first-generation students and their counterparts from low-income families. Financial circumstances and financial need are the main basis of selection for the Odyssey scholarship. Beneficiaries are eligible for additional funding to support health insurance and other college expenses.

Dell Scholarship Program

The Michael and Susan Dell Foundation supports this program and awards $20,000 scholarships to students from low-income families, including first-generation students who express determination to attain a college education. This program alleviates the financial burden and other expenses hindering first-generation students from completing college education.

The Grigg Family Scholarship

This scholarship targets first-generation students to attain a college education at Deakin University. The Grigg Family awards about $5,000 to students who qualify for funding.

This scholarship is awarded to domestic students, including those who attended the Bad Axe High School. The applicants must have completed approximately 20 hours of community service and have a GPA of 3.0.

Idaho at Risk Scholarship

This program is a state-based scholarship intended to increase the number of first-generation college students. Idaho State Legislature implemented the program to ensure talented students attain a college education, increasing their chances of a prosperous future.

It awards $3,000 annually, and only Idaho residents planning to attend university in the state are eligible for this scholarship. The qualification criteria include first-generation students, those with disabilities, migrant farm workers, ethnic minorities, and students from low-income households.

Winners for Life Foundation

The Winners program was established in 2001 to assist underprivileged students with limited family and financial resources to pursue a college education. The Winners for Life Foundation aims to motivate and guide students from poor backgrounds.

The foundation’s driving principle is that young people lacking resources to pursue a college education do not lack the mindset and motivation. Therefore, the program sponsors 100 students yearly to pursue their academic dreams.

College Scholarships for Homeless Young People

The National Clearing House sponsors this program to give homeless and at-risk youths a chance to complete their college education. It awards approximately $20,000 to high school seniors preparing to join colleges.

APIA Scholarship

This scholarship program supports Hawaiian and Native American undergraduate students. The beneficiaries are awarded $2,500 for one-year study and $20,000 for multi-year studies. Beneficiaries are usually first-generation students living below the poverty line. This program aims to increase the number of college education graduates in underprivileged populations.

First-in-Family Scholarship

The Farash Foundation established the First-in-Family Scholarship to support first-generation students financially. The program provides funds for tuition, boarding, and other mandatory fees. The University of Colorado runs this program and awards first-generation students approximately $8,000 to support their college expenses.

Students can qualify for this scholarship if their parents and guardians are not college graduates. Students must also prove financial need to qualify for funding. Recipients are required to participate in community service. Community service gives students a chance to interact with other recipients.

Parting Words

Scholarships offer a lifeline for many first-generation students willing to pursue a college education. These scholarships fund college expenses, including tuition, boarding, textbooks, and other mandatory fees. Poor, first-generation students can select a scholarship they are qualified for to ensure their dream to pursue a college degree is not diminished.

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