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First Generation College Scholarship

Funded by
user profile avatar
James Hong
$4,000
2 winners, $2,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Jul 21, 2025
Winners Announced
Aug 21, 2025
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
1
Contribution
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior or undergraduate student
Background:
First-generation college student and immigrant
Financial Status:
Financial need

Every student has a unique journey through higher education and some come with more roadblocks than others.

Students who are the first in their families to attend college, especially those from the immigrant community, often must overcome unique obstacles. Encountering an unfamiliar environment, a new country, financial responsibilities, and demanding school work can be challenging for anyone, but especially for students whose parents did not attend college themselves.

This scholarship aims to support first-generation immigrants who are paving a new path in their families through their pursuit of higher education.

Any high school senior or undergraduate student who is a first-generation immigrant and a first-generation college student may apply for this scholarship opportunity if they have financial need.

To apply, tell us how your identity has shaped your perspective on the world and your place within it.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Impact
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Published April 10, 2025
Essay Topic

In what ways has your identity shaped your perspective on the world and your place within it?

200–250 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Applications

Shadell Williams
Glendale, AZ
I was born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, where access to opportunity often depends on financial means. Neither of my parents earned a college degree, and after high school, I couldn't afford to study in the U.S. Though I dreamed of higher education, it felt out of reach. My mother worked tirelessly, often holding more than one job, to provide for me. Watching her sacrifice without complaining taught me the meaning of strength, determination, and selflessness. Her example ignited my ambition, even before I had the courage to chase my dreams. As a shy, soft-spoken girl, I allowed others to dictate my path for years. I didn’t believe my voice mattered, but everything changed when I became a mother. I realized I needed to become the kind of woman I wanted my daughter to look up to: one who speaks up, leads with purpose, and break generational barriers. In Spring 2025, I finally began my college journey in the U.S. as a first-generation immigrant and mother, achieving a 4.0 GPA. I'm studying Elementary and Special Education because I want to help children grow up feeling confident, valued, loved, and heard. One day, I hope to open a nursery and preschool that serves all children with compassion and care. My journey is fueled by my mother’s sacrifices and my desire to build a better future for my daughter. This scholarship would support not just my education, but the legacy of strong women I represent—and the many lives I hope to impact.
Waiyan Oo
College of San MateoSan Mateo, CA
In 2021, Myanmar’s military staged an unlawful coup. I was imprisoned twice at seventeen for protesting the regime. To pay my ransom, my family gave up their life savings and sent me to the U.S. for a second chance at life. I arrived with a suitcase half full of cash and half full of promises. Quickly, I found myself juggling low-wage jobs, out-of-state tuition, and the burden of supporting both myself and my sister. During one of the hardest periods, I dropped out to work full time—until I saw a junta official proudly announce their acceptance to Harvard. The same regime that buried my generation in prison cells was now claiming to “rebuild” our nation through elite education—reserved only for their loyalists. I knew then: education must become my weapon. I returned to college, majoring in data science, adding economics and political science to better serve my people. I joined the Free Burma Action Committee and led fundraisers that raised $10,000 every other month. Then, I founded a student-led organization that hosted a Revolution Concert, raising $110,000 for Myanmar’s internally displaced people. Last semester, I ran out of savings and worked 60 hours a week. My grades suffered, but I never gave up. The First Generation College Scholarship would lift that burden. Every hour it frees me from survival will be poured back into service—so I can study, lead, and help rebuild a country left behind by the world.

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FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Jul 21, 2025. Winners will be announced on Aug 21, 2025.