Bick First Generation Scholarship

$30,000
6 winners, $5,000 each
Open
Apply Now
Application Deadline
Dec 31, 2025
Winners Announced
Jan 30, 2026
Education Level
Any
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school student or enrolled in college or trade school
Background:
First-generation college student

Marcia Bick Herman knew just how life-changing education can be, and she believed deeply that students deserve every opportunity to thrive, especially those who are paving a new path for their families.

Being a first-generation student means walking into unfamiliar spaces with limited guidance, learning to navigate systems no one at home has experienced, and often carrying the dreams of others on your shoulders. It can be overwhelming, but it also speaks to your strength, your drive, and your belief that a brighter future is possible.

This scholarship aims to honor the courage, resilience, and hope of first-generation students who are first in their families to take the bold step toward higher education.

Students who are the first in their immediate families to pursue college or trade school, and who are either currently in high school or already enrolled, are welcome to apply. Students who excel in math or the quantitative sciences, and those from the New York tri-state area, are especially encouraged to apply.

To apply, tell us what being a first-generation student means to you, what challenges you’ve faced, what your dreams are, and how this scholarship will help you.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published August 14, 2025
Essay Topic

To apply, tell us in 500 words or less what being a first-generation student means to you, how you’ve faced and overcome challenges, and how this scholarship would help you move closer to your goals. Tell us about your dreams, what drives you, and how this scholarship would help you continue your journey. We’re not looking for perfection - we’re looking for honesty, heart, and a clear sense of purpose and determination.

300–500 words

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Dec 31, 2025. Winners will be announced on Jan 30, 2026.