First-Generation College Student Scholarships

Being the first in your family to go to college is exactly what many scholarships look for. Award Scholar matches you to first-gen awards and drafts each essay in your voice, so applying never gets in the way.

• Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program

  $175,224

  Due Varies

  The Simon Scholar Physician Assistant Program offers full-tuition scholarships to first-generation, underserved college students pursuing their MMS degrees through Chapman University's Physician Assistant (PA) Program.

  Essay written for you

• Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans

  $90,000

  Due October 29, 2026

  The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans is a fellowship program that celebrates the achievements and contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants in the United States. The fellowship supports outstanding students pursuing graduate or professional degrees across all fields of study. Applicants must be 30 years old or younger and planning to enroll full-time in an eligible graduate program during the following academic year. The program is designed to empower immigrants or the children of immigrants as they continue their academic and professional journeys.

  Essay written for you

• Dorrance Scholarship

  $48,000

  Due February 04, 2027

  The Dorrance Scholarship is a renewable award of $12,000 per academic year for first-generation Arizona students with financial need.

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• SVCF Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship

  $40,000

  Due February 27, 2027

  The Krishnan-Shah Family Scholarship was established by Ajay Shah, Lata Krishnan and their family. This scholarship program seeks to support financially needy students with academic potential and demonstrated community involvement, and provide meaningful and ongoing financial support to ensure that students complete their undergraduate degree.

  Essay written for you

• University of Colorado-Boulder First-Generation Scholarship

  $32,000

  Due Varies

  The First Generation Scholarship is awarded to undergraduate residents and nonresidents who have financial need and whose parent(s) or legal guardians do not have a bachelor's degree. During the first year, recipients are required to participate in the First Generation Scholars Program, offered through the Center for Inclusion & Social Change. The number of recipients will vary.

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• Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship

  $25,000

  Due January 06, 2027

  The Live Más Scholarship empowers students who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and beyond. This scholarship program by the Taco Bell Foundation supports students at every stage of their journey, helping them channel their passion into transformative change. Since 1992, the Taco Bell Foundation has awarded more than $110 million in Live Más Scholarships and grants to youth-serving nonprofit organizations focused on education and career readiness.

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• Texas A&M University Regents' Scholarship

  $24,000

  Due Varies

  Texas A&M University offers the Regents' Scholarship of up to $6,000 to incoming first-generation freshmen with financial need.

  No essay required

• Colorado State University First Generation Award

  $20,000

  Due Varies

  The Colorado State University First Generation Award is awarded to students who demonstrate financial need, are admitted by March 1, have parents who did not receive bachelor’s degrees, and who meet all other eligibility criteria. The selection process is very competitive and there are a limited number of awards available. Applications open on October 1st and the deadline to apply is April 1st. Please note the Award essay will not be available until December 1.

  Essay written for you

• Hendrick Scholarship Foundation

  $20,000

  Due March 06, 2027

  This scholarship program is seeking to support Plano ISD students who persevered to overcome significant adversity, and have financial need, who are motivated and academically capable of successfully earning a college degree. Students may apply starting on December 1st.

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• ITE Diversity Scholars Program

  $20,000

  Due March 15, 2027

  The ITE Diversity Scholars Program supports underrepresented students pursuing careers in transportation engineering, planning, or related fields. It is open to both seniors in high school planning to attend college in the fall and Community College students who are transferring to a 4 year college in the fall.

  Essay written for you