First generation students
First in your family? This was built for you.
You do not need a perfect GPA or a family who has done this before.
EAESSI offers scholarships for first generation students, plus essay help and free FAFSA help.
Free to apply. No high GPA required.
First generation welcomeStrongly encouraged to apply
What we offer
Nobody handed you a map. We will draw one.
Here is what we offer students figuring college out for the first time.
Are there scholarships for first generation students?
Yes. Many colleges and foundations set aside scholarships for first generation students, and EAESSI strongly encourages first generation students to apply for ours. Most single awards are $2,500 or less, according to the Education Data Initiative, so stacking several local awards adds up.
The EAESSI scholarship
For Northern Virginia students with financial need.
Essay help
A simple four part template for your story.
Free FAFSA help
A specialist walks your family through the form.
A mentor
Someone to guide you through applications.
Free money first
Free money first. The FAFSA unlocks it.
Before you apply for scholarships for first generation students, file the form that unlocks grants.
The Pell Grant alone is worth up to $7,395 for the 2026 to 2027 school year, according to Federal Student Aid.
File the FAFSA first, then stack scholarships on top. Our free FAFSA help makes it simple.
Who we help
Which one of these sounds like you?
Students looking for scholarships for first generation students tell us the same things. Here is what we say back.
"I don't know where to start."
Start with the FAFSA, then local scholarships. We show you each step.
"I'm not a good writer."
Scholarship essays reward honesty, not fancy words. Our template keeps it simple.
"My grades are not perfect."
We weigh character, drive and need alongside grades.
"My parents can't help with forms."
We help your family with every question, in plain language.
Your plan
Four steps. One season.
Here is the order that works for scholarships for first generation students.
File the FAFSA
It opens each October, and our help is free.
Find local awards
Fewer applicants mean better odds. See where to look.
Write your story
One real moment, one challenge, one goal.
Apply
Send the EAESSI scholarship application.
Common questions
Straight answers for first generation students.
Who counts as a first generation student?
Usually a student whose parents did not finish a four year college degree. Each scholarship sets its own definition, so check the rules.
Do I need a high GPA?
No. Many scholarships for first generation students, including ours, weigh character, drive and need alongside grades.
Are scholarships for first generation students only for seniors?
Many scholarships for first generation students are for high school seniors, but some are open to students already in college. Read each award's rules.
Is applying free?
Yes. Real scholarships for first generation students never charge you to apply, including ours.
Can my parents get help too?
Yes. We offer free FAFSA help for parents in plain language.
How do I avoid scholarship scams?
If you have to pay money to get money, walk away. Never give a bank or card number to apply.
First generation students
Your family's first degree starts here. Apply for our scholarship.
Free to apply. First generation students strongly encouraged.
About EAESSI
Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems (EAESSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We help uninsured women get breast screenings, help Virginia students pay for college and help teens grow as leaders.
Sources on this page
Figures on this page come from these sources: