Call for Applications: First Gen Fellowship 2026 – $1,000 Grants for First-Generation College Students

Application Deadline: September 16, 2026

About the Fellowship

First Gen Fund is awarding 50 First Gen Fellowships in 2026, providing $1,000 grants to first-generation college students. The grants are designed to provide financial hardship relief directly to first-generation students. Awardees will be announced on National First-Gen Day on November 8, 2026. The fellowship is open to first-generation college students who are full-time undergraduate or graduate students at accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Applicants must demonstrate significant financial hardship and be in good academic standing.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for a Fellowship, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be a full-time student currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited U.S. college or university
• Identify as a first-generation college student (First Gen Fund recognizes that family background is complex and encourages applicants to identify with what feels most true to their lived experience)
• Be in good academic standing with your college or university (generally defined as meeting your school’s minimum GPA requirements and not being on academic probation)
• Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
• Show significant financial hardship through one or both of the following:

• Eligibility for Pell Grant or other need-based aid
• A personal statement explaining financial hardship (e.g., lack of parental contribution, unexpected expenses)

Important Notes

• Per funding guidelines, eligibility is limited to domestic students. International applicants are not eligible.
• Funds must be used for educational expenses (e.g., fees, books, housing, basic needs, professional development opportunities and activities, transportation related to school, and other education-related expenses)
• Due to the high volume of applications, First Gen Fund is unable to respond to correspondence regarding individual applications

Application Process

Step 1: Register – Click on the “Register” link and complete and submit the registration form.

Step 2: Login– Login to the award with your email and password.

Step 3: Create – Create your online application.

Step 4: Save – During the Call for Applications period, your application can be saved as DRAFT until all required information is completed and attachments uploaded.

Step 5: Submit– On completion, save your Application as FINAL.

Key Dates

• Fellowship Opens: September 2, 2026 (12 PM ET)
• Fellowship Closes: September 16, 2026 (9 PM ET)
• Awardees Announced: November 8, 2026 (National First-Gen Day)

Why This Fellowship Matters

First-generation college students often face unique financial challenges. They may lack family financial support, struggle to navigate financial aid systems, and face unexpected expenses that can jeopardize their education. The First Gen Fellowship provides direct financial relief to help students cover educational expenses and stay on track to graduate. For first-generation college students in the U.S. who are full-time undergraduate or graduate students and demonstrate significant financial hardship, this fellowship offers:

• $1,000 grant to support educational expenses
• Direct financial relief to help cover fees, books, housing, basic needs, and other education-related costs
• Recognition on National First-Gen Day

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official First Gen Fellowship Page