We empower first-generation, low-income students by navigating them through the college admissions process to graduate debt-free.
What we do
First Gen Scholars is on a mission to enable students to unlock their full academic potential, and to remove all financial barriers that often hold these students back.
How we do it
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College access program
We empower scholars to share their authentic story through a robust summer program.
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Debt-free emphasis
We connect scholars to funding and opportunities so they can graduate 100% debt-free.
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Dedicated mentors
We support scholars through a network of First Gen college students and dedicated professionals.
Who are first generation students?
First-generation students are trailblazers who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor's degree.
Over 33% of first-generation students in the U.S. don't make it through their junior year of college.
Many of them are from underrepresented communities where access to educational resources and support networks are limited or absent.
First Gen Scholars is the GPS to college access to help them navigate the complex and daunting higher education system.
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100%
college acceptance rate for our students
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527
accepted and attending their dream college
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$26 million
in combined earned scholarships
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81%
students on track to graduate debt-free
First Gen College Fair - Sep 2023
First Gen Photo Day - May 2023
First Gen Photo Day - May 2022
First Gen Photo Day - May 2021
Latest story
Latest event
From our students
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"As a Black first-generation Muslim Woman and eldest of seven siblings, I did not have someone to support me with the college application process. First Gen Scholars saw the greatness in me and provided the guidance I needed."
Zeinab A - UC San Diego
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“This program is special. When I joined First Gen Scholars, I found others like me who had dreams but not the support. I'm excited to be the first one from my school ever to go from Chula Vista to CalTech on a full ride.”
Edvar B - Caltech
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“I still wake up saying 'I'm actually going to Harvard!' They say it takes a village, and I am so grateful that I found my village as one of the founding members of the Black First Gen Scholars cohort.”
Arsema A - Harvard
