I'm a high school junior and the first in my family to go to college. Are there any scholarships available for first-generation college students in Ohio? I'd appreciate any advice on where to look or specific programs to consider.
There are indeed several scholarships available in Ohio for first-generation college students. Here are some to start with:
1. The Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (OASFAA) offers the OASFAA First Generation Scholarship. This scholarship is aimed at Ohio residents who are the first in their family to go to college.
2. The Choose Ohio First (COF) Scholarship Program also offers awards focused on STEM majors, but first-generation students are a priority.
3. The Dayton Foundation provides the Minority Scholarship for African American, Asian American, Hispanic, and Native American students who reside in the Greater Dayton Region. That includes first-generation college students.
4. There's also the Beat the Odds Scholarship Program administered by the Children's Defense Fund-Ohio designed specifically for high school students overcoming significant adversity to achieve academic excellence, which often includes first-generation students.
Remember, when applying for scholarships, make sure to stand out by personalizing your application and essays to reflect your unique perspective as a first-generation student. Also, keep track of deadlines to make sure you don't miss out on any opportunities.
Lastly, don't forget to utilize databases like Appily or the Federal Student Aid's scholarship tool to find other scholarships you might qualify for beyond just being a first-generation student. Good luck with your search!
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