First-Generation Professional Development Scholarship

First-Gen Student Support Scholarship will be awarded for the 2025-26 academic year. First-generation students most often select degrees that promise the highest earning potential because completing their degree is not only for their sense of accomplishment but for building of generational wealth and family pride. They may have the competitive GPA but sometimes fall short of those relevant work experiences employees seek in candidates. Completing a rigorous academic program while sometimes working 30-40 hours per week, can prevent students from being engaged in co-ops/internships or other key experiences. Experiences aligned with their desired field of study improves both academic and career performance and solidifies the value of academic efforts as economic gain and can impact the competitiveness of their resume (Grice and Grice, 2021, p. 248).

The First-Generation Professional Development award will enhance a first-generation student’s ability to be involved in experiences that allow for personal and professional development, such as student organizations, internships, research, and study abroad. Opportunities like internships and research allow the students to test drive their career goals and begin to build professional networks, and study abroad gives students that competitive edge in their global awareness.

First-Generation Student Success (FGSS) will award $500.00 to eligible scholarship recipients.