First generation scholarships can help students whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree pay for higher education. Some provide a few hundred dollars toward educational expenses, while larger programmes offer renewable funding worth $30,000 or more.
If you’re the first in your family to attend college, you may qualify for scholarships based on your educational background. But eligibility varies. Some awards accept high-school seniors, others require undergraduate enrollment, and a smaller number are available to graduate students.
For 2027, opportunities include the $2,500 Kadzai First Generation Scholarship, the $2,500 Pelican First-Generation Scholarship, and the RSM US Foundation award worth up to $30,000 over three years.
This guide brings together scholarships with published 2027 application information, explains who qualifies as a first-generation student, and shows how to apply through official scholarship providers.
First Generation Scholarships 2027: Open and Upcoming Awards
The following scholarships have published application information for 2026–27 or 2027–28. Some are already accepting applications, while others have announced upcoming or recurring application periods.
| Scholarship | Award | Deadline or application period | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kadzai First Generation Scholarship | $2,500 | March 22, 2027 | Open |
| Pelican First-Generation Scholarship | $2,500 | January 15, 2027 | Open |
| Editor World Student Scholarship | $500 | December 15, 2026 | Open |
| First Steps Scholarship | $2,500 stated in page body; amount needs confirmation | February 17, 2027 | Open |
| Velazquez Social Sciences Scholarship | $1,100 | December 6, 2026 | Open |
| Akerson Family Foundation Scholarship | Up to $50,000 over four years | March 1, 2027 | Application available |
| Walter & Mary Hampel Scholarship | $2,000 | February 1, 2027 | Deadline published |
| RSM US Foundation First Generation Scholarship | Up to $30,000 over three years | December 1–February 28 annually | Upcoming cycle |
| NSHSS First Generation Scholarship | Check individual award page | Opens November 26, 2026 | Upcoming |
| LOAR SOAR College Scholarship | Up to $5,000 | December 15, 2026–March 31, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Hillel Knapp First Generation Scholarship | $5,000, renewable | Opens January 2027; closing date unconfirmed | Upcoming |
| Editor World Graduate Scholarship | $1,000 | March 1–May 31, 2027 | Upcoming |
| Iskali First-Generation Latino Scholarship | $1,000 plus possible emergency support | Opens April 15, 2027; conflicting June closing dates | Upcoming |
Application information reviewed October 24, 2026. Award providers may change deadlines, eligibility or application arrangements. Always confirm details on the linked official pages.
An important point: the largest scholarship is not necessarily the best option for you. The Akerson award, for instance, is limited to students from specific school districts, while RSM has academic-major and GPA restrictions.
Who Qualifies for First Generation Scholarships?
In many programmes, a first-generation college student is someone whose parents have not completed a bachelor’s degree.
Under the College Board’s definition, students can qualify even if their parents attended some college, provided they did not earn a bachelor’s degree.
However, individual scholarship providers may define first-generation status differently.
Does Your Parents’ Education Make You First-Generation?
| Family background | Generally considered first-generation? |
|---|---|
| Neither parent attended college | Yes |
| One parent attended college but never graduated | Yes |
| A parent completed a two-year associate degree | Usually yes |
| A parent completed vocational training | Usually, depending on the qualification |
| One parent earned a bachelor’s degree | Generally no |
| An older sibling graduated from college | Usually yes, if neither parent earned a bachelor’s degree |
| A parent earned a bachelor’s degree outside the US | Depends on the provider’s definition |
| You were raised by a single parent or guardian | Depends on the programme’s family-education rules |
These are general examples, not universal eligibility decisions.
For instance, Pelican uses the completed-bachelor’s-degree standard. By contrast, Valor Injury Law’s First Steps Scholarship requires that an applicant’s parents did not attend any form of higher education, which is more restrictive.
What If Your Sibling Went to College?
You may still qualify.
Most first-generation definitions focus on parental education, not whether an older brother or sister completed university. The RSM US Foundation explicitly allows qualifying applicants whose siblings have earned or are pursuing bachelor’s degrees.
What If Your Parents Studied Outside the United States?
A foreign university degree may count when a scholarship assesses parental education.
Some providers consider whether the qualification is equivalent to a bachelor’s degree, while others specify where a parent’s degree must have been earned.
For example, the Akerson Family Foundation uses a definition referring to a parent who has not earned an undergraduate degree in the United States.
If your parents studied abroad, read the award’s specific definition rather than assuming that all scholarships treat foreign degrees identically.
Can Graduate Students Still Be First-Generation?
Yes. Completing your own bachelor’s degree does not necessarily change your first-generation status.
However, you must apply to a scholarship that accepts graduate-level students. Kadzai, Pelican and Editor World’s graduate scholarship are examples worth checking.
Best First Generation Scholarships Accepting 2027 Applications
1. Kadzai First Generation College Student Scholarship — $2,500
Deadline: March 22, 2027
Kadzai Law Group offers a $2,500 scholarship for eligible first-generation students enrolled in undergraduate, graduate or trade-school education in the United States.
Applicants must be at least 17 years old and US citizens or permanent residents.
The application requires proof of enrollment and a three- to five-minute video. First-time freshmen discuss anticipated challenges and benefits of higher education. Other applicants explain how their first-generation experiences have affected their personal and academic development.
Applications are evaluated according to eligibility, completeness, relevance, creativity and presentation.
Apply through the official Kadzai scholarship page.
2. Pelican First-Generation Scholarship — $2,500
Deadline: January 15, 2027
The Pelican First-Generation Scholarship provides one $2,500 annual award to an eligible undergraduate or graduate student attending an accredited college or university in the United States.
This may be particularly suitable for applicants looking for a first-generation scholarship without an essay or GPA minimum.
To qualify, neither parent nor guardian may have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree.
The application asks for basic contact information, the student’s college, education level, and confirmation of first-generation status. No essay, transcript, recommendation, financial documents or application fee is required.
One recipient is scheduled to be announced on February 10, 2027, after the provider’s selection and enrollment-verification process.
Important: The sponsor’s official rules page is currently labeled as a draft pending legal review. Read the latest version before submitting.
Apply for the Pelican First-Generation Scholarship.
3. Editor World First-Generation Student Scholarship — $500
Deadline: December 15, 2026
Editor World offers a $500 scholarship for Spring 2027 to eligible first-generation students enrolled or pre-enrolled at an accredited US trade school, college or university.
Applicants generally must be US residents and meet the provider’s education and eligibility requirements.
The application includes a 900-word essay discussing the educational programme being pursued, at least three motivations for completing it, and how that education could benefit the student’s family or community.
The recipient is expected to be notified in January 2027.
Editor World undergraduate scholarship application.
4. First Steps Scholarship — Award Amount Requires Confirmation
Deadline: February 17, 2027
Valor Injury Law’s First Steps Scholarship supports qualifying first-generation undergraduate and graduate students in the United States.
Applicants must be US citizens, have a GPA of at least 3.0, and come from households earning no more than $150,000. The provider also requires that applicants’ parents did not attend higher education.
Applicants submit proof of enrollment or admission, GPA and income information, plus a two- to three-minute video discussing their first-generation experience and career goals.
The scholarship page’s main text advertises $2,500, while its title states $1,000. Contact the provider to confirm the award amount before relying on either figure.
Official First Steps Scholarship.
5. Velazquez Social Sciences Scholarship — $1,100
Deadline: December 6, 2026
This $1,100 scholarship is intended for first-generation high-school seniors with at least one parent of Puerto Rican descent.
Applicants must plan to pursue a qualifying two- or four-year degree in fields such as psychology, sociology, social work, political science, international relations or criminal justice.
The application requires a 500–600-word essay covering heritage, goals and intended impact. Preference is given to students with a GPA of at least 3.0.
The recipient announcement is scheduled for January 7, 2027.
Official Velazquez Social Sciences Scholarship.
6. Akerson Family Foundation Scholarship — Up to $50,000
Deadline: March 1, 2027
The Akerson Family Foundation offers one of the larger renewable awards in this guide: up to $12,500 per year for four years, subject to award conditions and remaining educational costs.
It is specifically for first-generation high-school seniors graduating in spring 2027 from eligible public school systems in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Applicants must meet requirements including a weighted GPA of at least 3.25 at the end of junior year, FAFSA or Virginia Alternative State Aid (VASA) eligibility, and a Student Aid Index of $30,000 or less.
The scholarship is not available to students nationwide.
Official Akerson Family Foundation eligibility and application.
7. Walter & Mary Hampel Scholarship — $2,000
Published deadline: February 1, 2027
The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee lists this $2,000 scholarship for qualifying first-generation undergraduate students with a GPA of at least 3.0.
Preference is given to immigrants to the United States or their children. Financial need may also be considered.
This is an institution-specific award, so students attending other universities should not assume they qualify.
Official UW–Milwaukee scholarship listing.
Upcoming First-Generation Scholarships for 2027
The following programmes have announced future application windows or recurring schedules. Check the opening status before preparing or submitting an application.
8. RSM US Foundation First Generation Scholarship — Up to $30,000
Recurring application period: December 1–February 28
The RSM US Foundation awards five eligible first-generation students up to $30,000 each, distributed as $10,000 annually over three consecutive academic years.
Applicants must be full-time first-, second- or third-year undergraduate students pursuing a qualifying bachelor’s degree in business or technology. They must also be at least 18 years old, have a GPA of 3.3 or higher, and meet RSM’s US legal-residency and family-education requirements.
Applications require an unofficial transcript, a personal statement of up to 1,500 characters, and an original 30–60-second video illustrating one of RSM’s core values.
RSM publishes December 1–February 28 as its annual window. Applicants should confirm the matching 2027 cycle when the application opens.
Official RSM First Generation Scholarship.
9. NSHSS First Generation Scholarship
Applications open: November 26, 2026
The National Society of High School Scholars offers this scholarship to eligible NSHSS members who are first-generation high-school seniors or college freshmen, sophomores and juniors.
Applicants must prepare a 500–800-word written response, academic resume, transcript, educator recommendation and headshot.
The individual 2027 award page does not currently specify an award amount or closing deadline, so these should be checked when the application opens.
NSHSS requires membership, which normally carries a one-time $90 fee. Fee waivers may be available based on financial need, and scholarship applications do not carry an additional fee.
Official NSHSS First Generation Scholarship.
10. LOAR SOAR College Scholarship — Up to $5,000
Application period: December 15, 2026–March 31, 2027
LOAR SOAR College supports women pursuing four-year undergraduate or graduate degrees, particularly those who are first-generation students or have overcome substantial obstacles.
Awards can provide up to $5,000, alongside mentoring, networking and professional-development opportunities.
This programme is not exclusively restricted to first-generation applicants. Students should check the full SOAR College criteria when the 2027 application opens.
Official LOAR SOAR Scholarship.
11. Jules and Gwen Knapp First Generation Scholarship — $5,000 Renewable
Applications expected to open: January 2027
Hillel International offers a $5,000 renewable scholarship to qualifying first-generation students, including high-school seniors, gap-year students and eligible undergraduate students.
The award may be renewed for up to three additional academic years, subject to programme rules.
Hillel scholarships are intended for students who identify as Jewish and attend or plan to attend eligible higher-education institutions in the United States or Canada.
Applicants should review the academic and leadership requirements. Hillel confirms a January 2027 opening for the 2027–28 cycle, but the scholarship’s currently displayed closing-date information is not sufficiently clear to treat as a confirmed 2027 deadline.
Official Knapp First Generation Scholarship.
12. Editor World First-Generation Graduate Scholarship — $1,000
Application period: March 1–May 31, 2027
Editor World offers a separate $1,000 award for eligible first-generation Master’s and doctoral students enrolled or pre-enrolled in qualifying graduate programmes in the United States.
Applicants generally must be US residents and submit an approximately 1,100-word essay covering academic achievements, reasons for pursuing graduate study, access to educational resources, and an influential person in their career development.
The recipient is expected to be notified by August 2027.
Official Editor World Graduate Scholarship.
13. Iskali First-Generation Latino Scholarship — $1,000
Applications open: April 15, 2027
Iskali supports first-generation Latino students pursuing education at community colleges, universities, graduate or professional schools, and eligible trade schools.
Recipients receive $1,000 in tuition assistance and may access up to $250 in emergency financial support under programme conditions.
Applicants must demonstrate financial need, meet the academic requirements and submit a transcript and two-page essay.
The provider describes the programme as DACA-friendly and open to eligible postgraduate students.
Deadline clarification: Iskali’s website currently shows both June 10 and June 15, 2027 as closing dates in different sections. Verify the correct deadline with the provider, and do not assume the later date is valid.
Official Iskali Scholarship Programme.
More Scholarships Worth Checking
Two additional first-generation opportunities deserve attention, but their award-specific 2027 application details need clarification.
Bishop Robert and Esther Schnase Scholarship — up to $40,000
The programme supports qualifying first-generation high-school seniors from the four-county Rio Grande Valley region in Texas.
Recipients can receive up to $10,000 annually for as many as four years, subject to continued eligibility.
However, the provider currently displays conflicting 2027 application dates on different pages. Check its official scholarship website before relying on a deadline.
Cummins First Generation Women of Color Scholarship — $2,500
The Society of Women Engineers lists three $2,500 awards for eligible first-generation women of color attending qualifying Historically Black Colleges and Universities or Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
Applicants must also meet GPA, educational and programme requirements. SWE has published general 2027–28 scholarship application dates, but applicants should confirm that this particular Cummins award is included in the matching application cycle.
Official SWE scholarship application information.
Which Scholarships Are Available for Your Education Level?
Instead of applying for every scholarship on the list, begin with awards that explicitly accept your current education level.
| Education level | Scholarships to check |
|---|---|
| High-school seniors | NSHSS, Knapp, Velazquez, Akerson, Schnase |
| Undergraduate students | Kadzai, Pelican, RSM, Editor World, LOAR |
| Community-college students | Pelican, eligible Kadzai applicants, Iskali |
| Trade-school students | Kadzai, Editor World, Iskali |
| Master’s or doctoral students | Pelican, Kadzai, Editor World Graduate, LOAR, Iskali |
These are starting points, not automatic eligibility confirmations. Each scholarship has additional restrictions.
High-school students should pay particular attention to whether admission is sufficient or actual college enrollment is required. Graduate students should avoid awards restricted to bachelor’s programmes.
How to Apply for First-Generation Scholarships
There is no universal application for all first-generation scholarships. Each provider establishes its own forms, documents and selection criteria.
A practical application process looks like this.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Read the provider’s definition of first-generation status, then check education level, GPA, major, location, citizenship or immigration rules, and financial-need criteria.
Do this before preparing an essay or requesting recommendations.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Depending on the scholarship, you may need:
- Academic transcripts or proof of admission or enrollment.
- A personal statement or scholarship essay.
- An academic resume or activity record.
- A recommendation letter.
- A short video response.
- Financial information, where required.
Not all awards require these documents. Pelican, for example, uses a short application without an essay or academic transcript, whereas RSM and NSHSS have more extensive requirements.
Step 3: Prepare a Relevant Essay or Video
If a scholarship asks you to explain your first-generation experience, focus on actual experiences and the specific question being asked.
A useful response might describe how you approached an unfamiliar college application process, found academic support, or developed your educational goals.
Use real examples rather than trying to make your background sound more difficult than it was.
For video applications, follow the required duration, format and originality rules. RSM and Kadzai have different prompts and video lengths.
Step 4: Apply Through the Official Website
Use the scholarship provider’s own application page or its designated application platform.
Check that your email address, enrollment details and uploaded files are accurate. Keep any submission confirmation and check your email for follow-up requests.
Avoid services claiming they can guarantee a scholarship in exchange for payment. The Federal Trade Commission warns applicants about scholarship and financial-aid scams involving upfront fees or promised awards.
Do First-Generation College Students Automatically Get Financial Aid?
No. First-generation status does not automatically entitle students to financial aid.
A first-generation student may qualify for a private scholarship or need-based government assistance, but each programme has separate rules.
Can First-Generation Students Receive Pell Grants?
Yes, if they meet the federal requirements. But Pell Grants are not exclusively for first-generation students.
Federal Pell Grants primarily support qualifying undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2026–27 is $7,395. The 2027–28 maximum is not yet confirmed and is expected to be announced in early 2027.
Your actual eligibility and award depend on the applicable federal rules and your financial-aid information.
Official Federal Pell Grant information.
Should First-Generation Students Complete FAFSA?
Eligible students should consider completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be assessed for federal financial aid.
The 2027–28 FAFSA is available now for students attending qualifying institutions between July 1, 2027 and June 30, 2028.
However, FAFSA is not a universal requirement for private scholarships, and reporting first-generation status does not automatically produce a grant.
Students should check their college’s priority aid deadline, applicable state deadlines and the federal deadline.
Other University Support for First-Generation Students
Some institutions have additional programmes to help first-generation students succeed.
For example, Florida operates a First Generation Matching Grant programme through participating institutions, subject to its residency, financial-need and eligibility rules.
The federal TRIO Student Support Services programme also supports eligible students through services that may include academic guidance, tutoring and financial-aid assistance.
Students should contact their university’s financial-aid or student-support office to check what is actually available.
First-Generation Scholarship FAQs
How do you qualify for first-generation scholarships?
You generally need to meet the provider’s first-generation definition, which often means neither parent completed a bachelor’s degree. Additional conditions can include GPA, age, education level, citizenship, financial need or institution.
Does having a parent with an associate degree disqualify you?
Not necessarily. Many providers accept applicants whose parents completed a two-year associate degree but not a bachelor’s degree. Check the specific award rules.
Is being first-generation good for college applications?
It can provide useful context about your educational background. Some institutions consider first-generation status in their admissions process, but it does not guarantee admission or scholarship funding.
Are there first-generation scholarships without GPA requirements?
Yes. Pelican is one example of a first-generation scholarship without a published GPA minimum. Other awards, such as RSM, have specific minimum GPA requirements.
Can you apply for multiple first-generation scholarships?
Generally, yes, provided you meet each programme’s conditions. However, individual providers may limit repeat applications or prohibit receiving certain awards together.
Can international students receive first-generation scholarships in the US?
Some private scholarships may permit applicants who are not US citizens, while others expressly require US citizenship or permanent residency.
Most students in the United States on F-1 visas are not eligible for federal Pell Grants. Private scholarship eligibility must be checked individually.
Do you have to pay back a first-generation scholarship?
Scholarships generally do not need to be repaid when their conditions are met. However, some awards have conditions relating to enrollment, satisfactory progress or eligibility. Check the award agreement for circumstances in which money could be reclaimed.
Are first-generation scholarships taxable?
Some scholarship payments may be tax-free when qualifying students use them for required tuition, fees, books or course supplies.
Amounts used for room and board, travel or other nonqualified expenses may be taxable. The IRS scholarship tax guide explains the applicable rules.
What should I do if a scholarship website shows conflicting information?
Use the official provider’s application or terms page as the starting point, and request clarification directly if the provider’s own pages disagree. Do not rely on an unconfirmed deadline or award amount.
Find More Scholarships on Scholarships Central
First-generation students may also qualify for scholarships that are not specifically restricted to first-generation applicants.
Explore these additional resources:
- Scholarships in the USA — US-based scholarship opportunities and provider links.
- Bachelor’s Scholarships — funding for undergraduate study.
- Master’s Scholarships — postgraduate scholarship opportunities.
- Scholarship Finder — compare opportunities by degree, nationality, destination and other eligibility criteria.
Final Thoughts
First generation scholarships can help make higher education more affordable, but each award has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Students preparing for 2027 should begin with scholarships that match their education level, family background and location. Check official deadlines early, prepare the necessary materials and avoid spending time on programmes for which you do not qualify.
A smaller scholarship with straightforward eligibility may be a more realistic opportunity than a larger award restricted to one university, state or academic major.
Start by identifying two or three scholarships that fit your circumstances, then follow their official application instructions.
Last reviewed: October 24, 2026. Scholarships Central is an independent scholarship information website and does not administer or guarantee any of the awards mentioned above.