First Generation Award Program

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.

For more information about the First Generation Award at CSU, please visit the First Generation Award Program website.

INSTRUCTIONS
Respond to the two questions. This is a competitive process, therefore, answer each question as thoughtfully, concisely, and as concretely as possible.

Please limit your responses to no more than 500 words per question! Responses above 500 words will be disqualified.

QUESTIONS
1. 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. Given this purpose, what does being the first in your family to go to college mean to you and what impact will it have on your future and that of your community?
2. First generation students come from many different backgrounds and experiences and bring diverse perspectives, strengths, and talents to the CSU community. How has your identity and strengths as a first generation student helped you to work through challenges you have faced in your life? How do you plan to use your talents and strengths to benefit CSU and your community?

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

• Be a first generation student (neither parent nor student has received a bachelor’s or graduate degree).
• Be a newly admitted student for summer or fall in a degree program at Colorado State University-Fort Collins campus by March 1. We recommend applying for admission by the February 1 priority application filing date. Currently enrolled students, full-time CSU Online students, and/or CSU-Global students are not eligible to apply.
• Demonstrate potential for academic success (as reflected by a high school or transfer Grade Point Average).
• Not have earned a bachelor’s degree.
• Documented financial need according to the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or completion of the Colorado Application for State Financial Aid (CASFA) and supporting financial aid documents
• Be a legal resident of Colorado or can be classified as an in state student for tuition purposes in accordance with the Colorado ASSET Bill, Senate Bill 13-033. If you are eligible under the Asset Bill, a completed CASFA will need to be submitted.
• Complete the FAFSA at studentaid.gov by March 1 of the year you plan to enroll. 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 the Office of Financial Aid as soon as possible. If you are instead eligible under the Colorado ASSET Bill, the completed CASFA is due by March 1 of the year you plan to enroll. See your RAMweb.colostate.edu, Financial Aid Requirements page for further information or contact the Office of Financial Aid with questions at (970) 491-6321.