Proud to Be First Scholarships

Awards and recognition presented during the National First-generation Student Celebration Week in November of each year.

Award Criteria

First-generation status, good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher).
Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program.
- Consideration will be given to students enrolled part-time under special circumstances.
Open to immigrant students not qualified to file for FAFSA.
Commitment to pay it forward through community engagement, such as participating in FGSC event planning, mentoring, or any other community contributions.
Students may not be awarded this scholarship more than once.

Submit an application with contact information.
Submit essay, up to 750 words, answering the following prompts:
- What does your first-generation identity mean to you and how do you wish to contribute to the first-generation community at K-State?
- If you are a part-time student, elaborate on the circumstances related to your part-time enrollment status. Elaborate on your financial need and how you would use the scholarship funds if selected as a recipient.
- Essay files are to be named: LastName_FirstName_Essay
  - Ex. Paz_Rebeca_Essay
List one professional reference from an employer, faculty, or staff, with contact information.
Committee led by the First-generation Student Center will select recipients.

Awards range from $500 - $750.
Applications are closed for the 2024-2025 school year.
Scholarships are awarded annually at the Proud to Be First Scholarship Awards Receiption. Scholarships can be applied to Fall or Spring semesters.

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