Empowering First-Generation College Students

For first-generation college students, the path to higher education is often a lonely journey filled with unanswered questions, financial hurdles, and the pressure to succeed without a roadmap. The I’m First! Scholarship initiative, founded by the nonprofit Center for Student Opportunity (now part of Strive for College), was created to dismantle these barriers. More than just a scholarship, I’m First! is a movement that celebrates and supports first-gen students through funding, mentorship, and a vibrant community of peers who share similar struggles and triumphs.

In this guide, we’ll explore how the I’m First! initiative works, break down scholarship opportunities, share tips for crafting a standout application, and highlight the invaluable network that turns first-gen challenges into strengths. Let’s pave your path to success!

What Is the I’m First! Initiative?

Launched in 2013, the I’m First! initiative is a national program dedicated to empowering students who are the first in their families to attend college. It provides:

• Scholarships: Financial awards ranging from $500to$10,000.
• Mentorship: Connections to first-gen alumni and professionals.
• Community: An online platform where students share stories and resources.
• College Planning Tools: Webinars, guides, and essay workshops.

The program partners with colleges like Cornell, Smith, and UC Berkeley, which offer additional institutional scholarships for I’m First! members.

Why Apply? Benefits Beyond Financial Support

The I’m First! Scholarship isn’t just about money—it’s about building confidence, community, and clarity:

1. Financial Assistance

• Direct Scholarships: Awards help cover tuition, textbooks, and housing.
• Partner College Aid: Many partner schools offer matching grants or priority consideration.

2. Mentorship Programs

• Pairing with first-gen alumni who provide academic, career, and emotional guidance.

3. A Supportive Community

• Online Forum: Share struggles, celebrate wins, and ask questions in a judgment-free space.
• Annual Summit: Virtual and in-person events featuring workshops and keynote speakers.

4. Exclusive Resources

• Essay editing tools, FAFSA guides, and internship listings tailored to first-gen needs.

Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?

To apply for I’m First! scholarships, students must:

1. Be First-Generation: Neither parent/guardian has a bachelor’s degree.
2. Plan to Enroll: In an accredited 2-year or 4-year U.S. college.
3. Demonstrate Need or Merit: While some awards are need-based, others reward leadership, essays, or community service.
4. Submit Required Materials: Transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters (varies by scholarship).

How to Apply: Your Step-by-Step Roadmap

The I’m First! Scholarship process is designed to be accessible but requires careful planning:

1. Join the I’m First! Community

• Sign up for free at I’m First! to access scholarships, forums, and resources.

2. Explore Scholarship Opportunities

• I’m First! General Scholarship: $2,000–$5,000 awards for students attending partner colleges.
• Partner School Scholarships: Check individual college pages for deadlines and criteria.
• External Scholarships: I’m First! curates vetted third-party awards for first-gen students.

3. Prepare Your Application

• Personal Essay: Most scholarships require a 500–750 word essay on topics like:
  “How has being first-gen shaped your goals?”
  “Describe a challenge you overcame and its impact.”
• Recommendation Letters: Choose mentors who understand your first-gen journey (e.g., teachers, counselors).
• FAFSA: Complete early to demonstrate financial need.

4. Submit Before Deadlines

• National Deadlines: Typically fall between January–April.
• College-Specific Deadlines: Vary by institution (check partner school pages).

5. Engage Post-Submission

• Participate in forums and webinars while awaiting results.

Tips for Crafting a Standout Application

1. Embrace Authenticity

• Share raw, personal stories instead of generic narratives.
  Example: “Balancing two jobs to support my family while maintaining a 3.8 GPA taught me resilience—and why I’ll major in labor rights advocacy.”

2. Highlight Community Impact

• Show how you’ve uplifted others (e.g., tutoring siblings, organizing food drives).

3. Leverage the I’m First! Network

• Use the platform’s essay review tools and peer feedback forums.

4. Connect Future Goals to First-Gen Identity

• Colleges want to see how your background will enrich their campus.

Success Stories: I’m First! Scholars Making Waves

• Jasmine Ruiz: First-gen Latina and I’m First! Scholar at UCLA now mentors high school students through the platform.
• Devin Carter: Used his scholarship to study engineering at Georgia Tech; now designs affordable housing solutions.
• Priya Patel: I’m First! alumna earned a Fulbright Scholarship to study education equity in India.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can undocumented students apply?
A: Yes! Many partner colleges welcome undocumented applicants (e.g., UC schools).

Q: Is there a minimum GPA?
A: Most scholarships require a 2.5+ GPA, but some are holistic.

Q: Can I apply if I’m already in college?
A: Some awards are for incoming freshmen, but others support current undergraduates.

Q: How competitive is the scholarship?
A: While selective, the I’m First! community prioritizes inclusivity. Over 30% of applicants receive awards.

Alternatives to the I’m First! Scholarship

If you’re ineligible or need additional funding, consider:

1. QuestBridge National College Match: Full-ride scholarships for low-income, high-achieving students.
2. TRIO Programs: Federal grants for first-gen students.
3. Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): Open to Latino first-gen students.

Why the I’m First! Community Matters

First-gen students often face “hidden curriculum” challenges—like navigating office hours or internship applications—that peers with college-educated parents take for granted. I’m First! demystifies these hurdles by fostering a culture of shared knowledge and resilience. As founder Corey Briscoe notes, “This isn’t just a scholarship; it’s a lifeline that says, ‘You belong here.’”