The Greenlight to College Scholarship

Win this scholarship by organizing your college search, discovering the best colleges for you, and finding the perfect scholarships to fund your education. The Greenlight to College scholarship is a $1,000 award for students in the class of 2015 and 2016 who represent College Greenlight’s mission in one or more of the following ways: demonstrated financial need, underrepresented minority status, or by being the first in their family to attend college. Membership in a college preparatory program is a plus. Applications are due by 12/31/2014.

Award: $1000

Deadline: Dec. 31, 2014

More info: http://blog.collegegreenlight.com/blog/greenlight-college-scholarship/

Attend fly-in programs and college fairs

Full article here: http://tinyurl.com/nc52jys

Distance shouldn’t stand between you and your dream school. If the college you’re hoping to attend is in another state, consider visiting the campus before you apply. Some schools offer so-called fly-in programs, where first-generation students “can see the school for themselves at little to no cost,” says Laura Stratton, director of admissions at Scripps College in Southern California. These visits typically include free overnight stays, information sessions and campus tours.

When attending a fly-in program isn’t possible, see if colleges will be hosting events in your area. Local college fairs are a great alternative. Admissions representatives will likely attend fairs in your state where you can learn more about the campus without venturing far from home.

Make sure to ask admissions representatives about their college’s financial aid offerings as well. If you’re planning to apply for aid, NerdScholar’s FAFSA Guide will walk you through filling out the FAFSA and is especially helpful for students with nontraditional family situations.

Speak with your counselor about local college bound programs

Full article at USA-Today: http://college.usatoday.com/2014/10/23/first-generation-students-applying-to-college/

Your high school counselor can help put you in touch with TRIO Upward Bound programs that are available in your hometown. These federally funded programs are designed specifically to help lower-income, first-generation students with services that may be hard to find elsewhere, like college advising and mentoring, financial guidance and academic tutoring. Getting involved in one of these programs early on in high school is a great way to stay on track to earning that college diploma.

Many colleges host their own TRIO programs and work with high schools to mentor first-gen students. Joining a college’s Upward Bound program can set you up for success later and possibly better your chances of acceptance to your program’s host institution.

Click on the link below for more info on Trio Upward Bound programs: http://www2.ed.gov/programs/trioupbound/index.html

I'm First Scholarship

This scholarship is for high school (or home-schooled) seniors who are attending school in the United States. To qualify, applicants must be first-generation college students, i.e., neither parent has earned a four-year college degree, and attend an I'm First partner college or university. Ideal candidates will display the following qualities: seeking financial aid and scholarship support for college, strong writing skills and unique perspective, strong capacity for reflection for blogging, experience with or commitment to community service, leadership experience, and commitment to helping expand educational opportunities for other first-generation students. Scholarship winners are not selected based on academic qualifications such as GPA, SAT/ACT scores, or intended majors. Undocumented students are eligible and strongly encouraged to apply.

Award: $1000

Deadline: May 23, 2014

More info: http://www.imfirst.org/scholarship/