First Generation Award

2009-2010 Academic Year

Eligible candidates: incoming freshman and transfer students entering Summer 2009* or Fall 2009. (Colorado Residents and Colorado State University-Fort Collins Campus Only.)

DEADLINE: MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2009 Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than Monday, March 2, 2009. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59pm, March 2, 2009. See bottom of page to proceed to application.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins campus is pleased to announce the First Generation Award Program. To be considered for this award, complete and submit the online application, or complete a paper version of the application. The selection process is competitive and there are a limited number of awards available. The award amount is up to a maximum of $4,000 annually, and is contingent upon full-time enrollment during both the fall and spring semesters of the 2009-2010 academic year. The award carries the possibility of renewal.

Note: The First Generation Award cannot be combined with the STARS Scholarship, the Alliance Award, or the Partnership Award. The First Generation Award will replace the STARS Scholarship but not the Alliance or Partnership Award.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the program is to encourage participation in higher education by first generation college students who have significant financial need (as defined by standard calculations based on financial aid application information), and to promote diversity within the University's student population.

A "first generation college student" is a person whose parents have never earned a bachelor's or graduate degree.  "Diversity" includes persons with diverse social/economic backgrounds and experiences who have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education and for whom traditional support has been limited; and includes, but is not limited to, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities (including both physical or learning), and those with experience in or a commitment to promoting an awareness or appreciation of diversity.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible to receive a First Generation Award, applicants must:

  • be a first generation student (neither parent or student has received a bachelor’s or graduate degree)
  • be a newly admitted student (for Summer 2009* or Fall 2009) in a degree program at Colorado State University-Fort Collins campus by March 2, 2009.  (We recommend that you apply for admission by the February 1, 2009 priority application filing date.  Currently enrolled students are not eligible to apply.)
  • demonstrate potential for academic success (as reflected by high school or transfer Grade Point Average)
  • not have earned a bachelor’s degree
  • document financial need according to the 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov
  • be a Colorado resident for tuition classification purposes.

  • plan to enroll full-time during the 2009-2010 academic year.  Full-time means enrolled in at least 12 regular on-campus credits per semester.  Test-Out, Division of Continuing Education, and Audited Courses are not considered regular on-campus credits
  • be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen (see FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov for description of eligible noncitizen). 

    APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS.  A complete application consists of the following:

  • First Generation Award Application, including essay responses.  Applications submitted on paper must be signed by the applicant.

  • Financial Aid Application.  Complete the 2009-2010 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), at www.fafsa.ed.gov by March 2, 2009. List Colorado State University as a school choice to receive the results of your FAFSA. Our school code is 001350. Submit any additional documents requested by Student Financial Services as soon as possible. 


Incomplete applications will not be considered for a First Generation Award.  You may or may not be notified that your application is incomplete until the selection process is over, so we recommend that you check your application carefully to be sure it is complete prior to submitting it to the University.

Submit a completed application and essay responses online by clicking the button below, or mail to:

First Generation Award Program
Attn: Shari Douglas
Center for Advising & Student Achievement
Colorado State University
202 Aylesworth Hall NE
1032 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO  80523-1032
Tel: (970) 491-3658/ Fax: (970) 491-1133


APPLICATION ESSAY QUESTIONS

Respond to all of the following four questions. This is a competitive process; therefore, answer each question as thoughtfully, concisely, and as concretely as possible. Limit your total responses for all questions (A-D) to three pages, double-spaced, using a font size of 12, limiting your total word count to 1500 words. Please follow all directions as additional pages or attachments will not be considered. Make sure to attach your essay answers before submitting your application.


The purpose of the program is to encourage participation in higher education by first generation college students who have significant financial need (as defined by standard calculations based on financial aid application information), and to promote diversity within the University's student population.

A "first generation college student" is a person whose parents have never earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. "Diversity" includes persons with diverse social/economic backgrounds and experiences who have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education and for whom traditional support has been limited; and includes, but is not limited to, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities (including both physical or learning), and those with experience in or a commitment to promoting an awareness or appreciation of diversity.

  1. Given the backgroud shown above, tell us why you merit selection as a First Generation Scholar. Stress the importance to you and your family and future of being a First Generation Scholar.
  2. There are a number of factors that can present obstacles for many students. These may include, for example, economic factors (limited income, financial responsibilities), educational factors (family or school situations that affect learning), or other factors (growing up with English as a second language, lack of exposure to opportunities, etc.). Think about your living situation and the environment in which you function every day (your family, home life, school life, economic limitations). What has been challenging and how have you dealt with it?
  3. Our country is becoming more diverse and with that, students will be expected to live, learn, and engage with cultures other than their own. Tell us how you will contribute to and benefit from the enhancement of diversity at Colorado State University if you become a First Generation Scholar.
  4. Describe a community service project or personal or family situation that you have been involved with and tell us how it impacted you, your family, community, and/or school, and what role you played in dealing with it?

The deadline has passed for 2009. Please come back next year!