Coca-Cola offers scholarships for first-generation students attending an institution of higher learning. Apply after Aug. 1 but before Oct. 31 of your senior year in high school. In mid-November, Coca Cola chooses semifinalists. If selected, you must complete another application and write an essay. You'll also need two letters of recommendation. In April, Coca Cola invites finalists for personal interviews. At this point, you should have already been admitted to a college or university. Students on 400 campuses benefit from the scholarship.
The Sallie Mae Fund, in combination with the Hispanic College Fund, offers a first-generation scholarship for Americans of Hispanic origin. To be eligible, you must be of Hispanic origin, be enrolled in a four-year degree program, have at least a 3.0 GPA and be a United States citizen or have permanent resident status. Awards range between $500 and $5,000 annually. To renew the scholarship, you must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA.
Almost every college or university allocates funds for scholarships. Research schools to find out if they offer scholarships for first-generation students. If the school does, be sure to ask the financial aid office for the correct application because it most likely will be different from other scholarship applications.