I’m First!
Who is a first generation student? What do we know about first generation students?
While I could ( and will ) give you lots of statistics on who first generation students are, I want to give you what I think is the most important things for you to know about first generation students.
First generation students are smart
First generation students are courageous
First generation students are eager to build a future for themselves
First generation students are strong
First generation students are taking the fist step to change their lives and the lives of generations to come
I have the utmost respect for these students.
First Generation Students often have less opportunity to get started on their educational goals but the potential they have is great! There are many extremely successful people who started their journey as first generation students.
Famous First Generation Students
In fact, let’s take a look at some famous first generation students:
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Oprah Winfrey
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Michelle Obama
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Colin Powell
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Albert Einstein
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Bill Clinton
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Walt Disney
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Margaret Thatcher
Often first generation students start out with fewer resources to help them be successful. However, many people underestimate the grit, drive and tenacity that first generation students often possess. Scholarships help even the playing field for all students,
This video describes what many first generation students feel. This video is painful and powerful. Take a moment to watch.
There are many programs geared towards helping first generation students have a fair chance at winning their personal race. Here are just a few:
McNair Program – https://mcnairscholars.com/about/ – Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program:
The McNair Scholars Program is a federal TRIO program funded at 151 institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to prepare undergraduate students for doctoral studies through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. McNair participants are either first-generation college students with financial need, or members of a group that is traditionally underrepresented in graduate education and have demonstrated strong academic potential. The goal of the McNair Scholars Program is to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society.
First Generation Student Success – https://firstgen.naspa.org/ – The Center for First-generation Student Success helps colleges and universities to help you to succeed as a first-gen student. While we do not work with first-gen students directly, we want to help you navigate your institutions and locate more information that will allow you to succeed. Check out the sections below to get started.
To help first-generation students succeed, colleges enlist their parents
Gear Up – https://www.edpartnerships.org/about-gear-up – What is GEAR UP? The Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative is one of the largest and most effective programs focused on increasing the college and career readiness of low-income students in communities nationwide. GEAR UP is a highly competitive grant program that helps empower local partnerships comprised of K-12 schools, institutions of higher education, state agencies, and community organizations to achieve three strategic goals: (1) increasing the postsecondary expectations and readiness of students; (2) improving high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates; and (3) raising the knowledge of postsecondary options, preparation, and financing among students and families.
Trio – https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/index.html – The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.
The recipients of the grants, depending on the specific program, are institutions of higher education, public and private agencies and organizations including community-based organizations with experience in serving disadvantaged youth and secondary schools. Combinations of such institutions, agencies, and organizations may also apply for grants. These entities plan, develop and carry out the services for students. While individual students are served by these entities, they may not apply for grants under these programs. Additionally, in order to be served by one of these programs, a student must be eligible to receive services and be accepted into a funded project that serves the institution or school that student is attending or the area in which the student lives.
There are many scholarships for first generation students. At Imagine Scholarships, we prioritize helping first generation students and empowering them with opportunities to find scholarships, internships and hundreds of videos mentoring students through college admissions, essays, budgeting, college success and many other topics. Get started today, you’ll be glad you did.
Helpful Resources for First Generation Students and Parents:
Congratulations, you got into college. Now what?
College’s first test: How to pay for it.
Four things I wish I knew when entering college.
If you are a first generation college student, we celebrate you! We know how hard you are working and we want to help you in any way we can. Here is a great scholarship you can apply for. It is for every student!
Imagine Scholarships is an excellent resource where you have access to over $9 Billion Dollars in scholarships, hundreds of internships and 80+ videos helping you walk through each step of all things college admissions and college success.
If you are a first generation college student, be encouraged. Your future is bright! I know, I was one too!
Sherri Ross
Imagine Scholarships / CEO