Corrick Family First-Gen Scholarship

$1,500
1 winner$1,500
Awarded
Application Deadline
Aug 18, 2023
Winners Announced
Sep 18, 2023
Education Level
Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
Undergraduate student
Field of Study:
STEM
Background:
First-generation college student

Higher education should be available to all individuals who seek it.

Unfortunately, this often isn’t the case due to the substantial costs associated with pursuing college. First-generation students, in particular, tend to have limited access to higher education, leading many to not fulfill their dreams or experience the benefits of a college degree. 

This scholarship seeks to support first-generation college students so they can afford to pursue their academic and professional goals.

Any first-generation undergraduate student who is pursuing STEM may apply for this scholarship. 

To apply, tell us what your career aspirations are and how your past experiences influenced you to pursue this path.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
Published May 18, 2023
Essay Topic

What are your future career aspirations and how did your past experiences contribute to your desired career?

400–600 words

Winning Application

Michelle Morel Perez
Kennesaw State UniversityAtlanta, GA
Since elementary school, I have enjoyed the challenge of solving complex math equations and participating in mental math competitions. I have always found it rewarding to get a correct answer after working tirelessly through a complex math problem. While I know accounting entails much more than solving mathematical equations, I believe that the problem-solving and analytical skills I use in my math classes will help me excel in a career in accounting (no pun intended). Accounting is the best industry for me to leverage my problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership, and analytical skills. My innate skills and talents make me a great accounting student and will make me a successful CPA in the future. As a first-generation college student with immigrant parents, I have always been motivated to break barriers and achieve success. Growing up in a low and single-income household, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of financial literacy and effective money management. My experiences growing up with limited resources, paired with my passion for math and problem-solving, have naturally led me to develop an interest in pursuing a career in accounting. I plan to graduate from Kennesaw State University with 150 credits to sit for the CPA exam. Once I obtain my CPA, I hope to join a large accounting firm before ultimately starting my own CPA firm. I am particularly interested in becoming a CPA because it will allow me to use my skills to make a meaningful impact in my community. I am drawn to the idea of helping businesses grow and succeed and empowering individuals from similar backgrounds to mine to achieve financial stability. For this reason, I volunteered at Georgia Writers, a non-profit dedicated to providing resources to underserved writers in Georgia. At Georgia Writers, I created and updated the organization's monthly and annual budgets and found ways to increase funds and reduce expenses. This experience allowed me to apply my accounting and financial skills in a real-world setting and contribute to the success of a local non-profit. Financial planning is only one of the many ways I can help organizations as a CPA. I will also contribute positively to society by promoting ethical financial practices and supporting the growth of a strong and equitable economy. As someone who loves math and problem-solving, I know accounting will be a rewarding career. Becoming a CPA will also allow me to fulfill my desire of becoming an entrepreneur. As a CPA, whether I am working for a large accounting firm or in my own practice, I will have the opportunity to help people make informed financial decisions and improve their financial situation. This is exactly what I strive to do.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Aug 18, 2023. Winners will be announced on Sep 18, 2023.