Title: First Generation Scholarships and General Scholarship Essay Tips
Written by: Tara Parrillo; Director, TRIO Student Support Services
How to pay can be one of the most stressful aspects of navigating a college degree for many first-generation college students. More recently, institutions of higher education and other organizations are taking notice and providing scholarships specifically for first-generation students.
Soon, it will be scholarship season to win scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year and a great time for you to be looking at what specific scholarships you may be eligible for and to apply! Remember, most scholarships require you to have a current FAFSA on file with Financial Aid so if you have not done so, please complete your FAFSA as soon as possible and NO LATER THAN March 1st (https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa). The 2022-23 FAFSA is open now!
If you are an Oregon residents with undocumented status, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, and/or Temporary Protected Status (TPS) instead of the FAFSA you should complete the ORSAA to access state grants and scholarships, private scholarships, as well as UO scholarships. Apply at: https://oregonstudentaid.gov/fafsa-orsaa.aspx
Below is a list of some first-generation student scholarships you should know about:
- The Diversity Excellence Scholarship (https://inclusion.uoregon.edu/des) – All applicants must have a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater to be considered. Deadlines: is March 1st for funding for the following school year. Apply for the DES through the Scholarship Dashboard at: https://uoregon.academicworks.com/users/sign_in
- The Office of Student Access and Completion awards more than $17 million in scholarships annually and there may be some specific to first-generation students. February 15, 5pm PST: Early Bird Deadline. March 1, 5pm PST: Final Deadline.https://oregonstudentaid.gov/scholarships.aspx
- The Osher Re-Entry/Crankstart (https://dos.uoregon.edu/osher) is often a scholarship first-generation, nontraditional students apply to. Funding is awarded to students who are returning or have returned to pursue their education after a break. Deadlines: is April 1st for funding for the following school year. Apply through the Scholarship Dashboard at: https://uoregon.academicworks.com/users/sign_in
There are also specific scholarships for first-generation students to help with accessing study abroad programs:
- The GEO Scholarship for First-Generation College Students is available through UO’s own Global Education Office. Recipients of the GEO Scholarship for First-Generation College Students can use the award to study abroad on a GEO-sponsored program at any time during their college career at the UO. Deadline is October 1st each year. https://geo.uoregon.edu/scholarships/financial-need/geo-scholarship-for-first-generation-college-students
- This Gilman Scholarship provides up to $5,000 for Pell-eligible undergraduates to pursue study abroad and/or international internships. Applicants must be U.S. citizens (permanent residents are not eligible) and must be receiving (or provide proof that they will receive) a Federal Pell Grant. The Gilman seeks to fund students who have been traditionally under-represented in study abroad and those who choose non-traditional study abroad destinations. Deadlines vary so check the website carefully. https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/
This is just a small sampling of UO and some state and national scholarships that may be available to you as a first-generation college student. You can also find other first-generation scholarships by searching “first generation scholarships” on the internet. If you have questions about any scholarships, you find through an internet search connect with a trusted UO advisor and they can help you determine if the scholarship is valid and/or worthwhile and sort through the details of the specific eligibility requirements.
Writing a well thought out scholarship essay is also very important to winning scholarships and there are some things that you should keep in mind for the essay itself.
- Read the instructions and make sure you understand them before you start writing. Pay attention to format requirements, like font and size.
- Brainstorm your ideas first and edit your ideas second.
- Use clear, concise, and simple language throughout the essay
- Make sure your self-confidence come through, but it always benefits you to come off as humble as well.
- Read the essay prompt carefully to be certain that you address every point. If your essay is missing something critical from the scholarship requirements, you may be immediately disqualified. One essay cannot usually be used for every scholarship you write for.
- Have one or two people with strong writing and editing skills read your essay before you submit it. This could be a parent, advisor, tutor, or even a friend.
We know applying for scholarships can be overwhelming. Remember, there are people across campus ready to help – advisors, financial aid staff members, and writing specialist. Let us all empower you to earn scholarships to support you in all the hard work you are putting in as the first in your family to pursue a college degree.