Applications are open for the 2025 First Gen Fellowship! This year, 50 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to full-time first-generation college students facing financial challenges. The fellowship is designed to provide direct support to students in the areas they need most while recognizing their determination, hard work, and the obstacles they have overcome to pursue higher education.

Award recipients will be announced on National First-Generation Day, November 8, 2025. All applications must be submitted by August 29th at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. Interested students can apply at www.firstgen.org. Full eligibility requirements and application instructions are available on the application form.

To qualify for the fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria: they must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. college or university and be first-generation students. Eligibility is limited to domestic students; international students are not eligible. Applicants must maintain good academic standing and demonstrate significant financial need through FAFSA or Pell Grant eligibility, proof of financial hardship, or a personal statement explaining circumstances such as income loss, unexpected expenses, or family responsibilities. Applicants must also be at least 18 years old, and fellowship funds must be used for educational expenses, including tuition, books, housing, basic needs, professional development opportunities, transportation, and other school-related costs.

Selected fellows will be required to provide their most recent transcript, either official or unofficial, as well as FAFSA documentation or other proof of financial need.

In 2025, 50 First Gen Fellowships will be awarded, offering $1,000 each to support first-generation students in meeting their educational needs. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered. Awardees will be contacted directly and announced on November 8, 2025, on Instagram @firstgenfund and on firstgen.org. Due to the volume of applications and to ensure fairness, individual application inquiries cannot be answered.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity