Celebrate National First-Generation Day
November 8th is National First-Generation College Student Day. Within Metropolitan State University, over 59% of our student population is First-Generation. The First-Generation Initiatives Program in the CMEI are honoring First-Generation students who are paving the way for their families and friends.
What is National First-Generation Day?
On November 8th, colleges and universities across the country recognize First-Generation students, faculty and staff. This date commemorates the day Congress approved the Higher Education Act (HEA) in 1965. The HEA legislation made critical investments in institutions and funded programs to increase the access, retention, and graduation of First-Generation, low-income students.
MSU Denver defines a First-Generation college student as a student who comes from a family where neither of their parents/guardians obtained a four-year degree. Additionally, students whose siblings went to college are classified as First-Generation.
During National First-Generation Day, MSU Denver’s First-Generation Initiatives Program will facilitate programs and events that highlight the awareness of First-Generation students, staff, and faculty. The community will learn about, but not limited to Imposter Syndrome and strategize ways to overcome it; the needs of First-Generation students on MSU Denver campus; how First-Generation MSU Denver Alumnae navigated their college experience; and the transition they experienced into the workplace.
First Generation Honor Cords
What are First-Generation Honor Cords?
“First-Generation Honors Cords,” are described as honors cords because it is truly a sign of honor to be First-Generation. You not only overcame obstacles before and during school, but you are a role model to all those in your family and community who are looking to you as the trail blazer to a new life. These cords are given to graduating students as they begin the road to their successful futures. Congratulations!
For information regarding the First-Generation Honor Cords and the First-Generation Ceremony, click the link below.
Scholarships
Eligibility:
- Must be: graduating high school, will pursue a full time undergraduate degree in the United States at any 4 year accredited university by fall 2022 and plan to study in any of the following concentrations:
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Transportation Management
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Math
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Science
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Engineering ( Any field of engineering)
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Architecture
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Environmental Design
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Pre-Med
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Psychology
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Spanish Language/Literature
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- The student applicant does not have to be a U.S. citizen, but they must have a minimum 3.5 weighted GPA and graduate a US accredited high school in Spring or Summer of 2021. All applicants will need proof of attending a 4 year US university beginning Fall 2022.
- Letter of Recommendation by a faculty member is optional, but highly suggested.
Details:
- Award Amount: $1,000
- Non-Renewable
Eligibility:
- Applicant must be a spring 2021 Colorado high school graduating senior, and meet one of the following requirements: identify as a student of color, be the First-Generation (neither parent/guardian received a bachelor’s degree) to attend college, and/or be a student with financial need.
- Applicant must be a graduate of a Colorado High School. (Open to all Colorado residents regardless of legal residency or citizenship).
- Applicant must enroll at a 2 or 4 year Colorado college or university in the fall of 2021 and take a minimum of 6 credit hours.
- Applicant must have a minimum cumulative high school grade point average of 2.80 (non-weighted) or higher.
- Applicant will be selected by, but not limited to, the following criteria: academic performance, awards and accomplishments, community and school involvement, community service (particularly within underrepresented communities), and financial need.
Details:
- Award Amount: $300 to $1,000 annually
- Non-Renewable
Eligibility:
- You must be able to answer YES to ALL four of the following items:
- a woman (identify as a woman) at least 25 years of age at the time of the application
- a resident of Colorado for at least 12 months prior to the application deadline May 31st (You must reside in Colorado while earning your certification or degree.)
- enrolled in or already attending an accredited educational institution of higher learning or vocational training (Applicants can be earning a certification, or associates, bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree.)
- able to provide an official copy or photocopy with official seal or authorized signature of a college or high school transcript showing your cumulative grade point average (GPA)
Details:
- Award Amount: $1,000 to $2,000 annually
- Although the award is not automatically renewable, previous winners are eligible to re-apply.
Eligibility:
- The applicant must be a Colorado resident with a minimum 3.0 GPA who is either Hispanic or active in the Hispanic community.
- The recipient will be required to fulfill 10 hours of community service during the year of funding at their college/university.
- Nurse Journal is committed to providing helpful resources to facilitate students on their journey towards a nursing career, and they believe that monetary setbacks should NOT be a barrier to qualitative academic experiences. They’ve created a collection of scholarships for both undergraduate and graduate First-Generation students pursuing nursing. Check it out: Nursing Scholarships for First-Generation College Students
Online Guide for First-Generation College Students
This Online Guide for First-Generation College Students created by STEPS experts provides First-Generation college students with the information and resources they need to get their college journeys started on the right foot. The goal of the guidebook is to provide tips, knowledge, and support resources that help First-Generation students afford and prepare for college — and be successful and confident once they get there.
Highlights include:
– A list of 10 great scholarships for First-Generation college students
– An insightful interview with a First-Generation college graduate
– A detailed college-prep checklist and timeline, from high school to freshman year in college