First-Generation College Students Eligible for Colorado State University Scholarship Program

A Colorado State University scholarship program that has helped hundreds of students, among the first in their families to go to college, welcomes applications from incoming freshmen and transfer students. The deadline for the First Generation Award is April 2. To be considered for the scholarships, applicants must apply by the April 2 deadline; have been newly admitted to Colorado State; and must demonstrate need through a completed FAFSA, the federal financial aid application, by the deadline.

The First Generation Award program provides scholarships to Colorado residents who are the first generation of their families to earn a bachelor’s degree. For application information, call the Office of Student Financial Services at (970)491-6321. Awards will be announced in early summer for the 2001-2002 school year.

From the time the First Generation Award program was created in 1984, it has awarded more than $9 million to 1,372 students.

"The First Generation Award program provides important educational opportunities to educational pioneers who demonstrate significant financial need," said Barb Musslewhite, award program coordinator. "Since the award is renewable from year to year, first-generation scholars can receive financial support and referrals to available student services throughout their college careers."

The award recipient group has been composed of students from all ethnic backgrounds, traditional and non-traditional ages, and students with disabilities.

"This award recognizes that family income and parents’ educational achievement play a role in an individual’s chances for reaching college and completing a degree," said Musslewhite.

"Research shows that, for the child of parents who have completed a bachelor’s degree, the chance of reaching college is 84 percent. This is more than three times higher than the rate for a first-generation college student. Given these statistics, it is especially important for the university to assist first-generation students."