FIRST GENERATION
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 IMPACT REPORT
Transforming the First Generation into the Next Generation of Industry and Community Leaders
Nearly one-quarter of undergraduate students at FIU are among the first generation in their families to attend college. These trailblazing students are on track to become the next generation of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and researchers. But they often need additional support. The First Generation Scholarship Program was established at FIU in 2006 to support these students financially so they can focus on their studies and graduate on time with minimal school loan debt. But the need remains far greater than the resources that are available. Currently, only about one in ten eligible students receives a first generation scholarship. Will you pledge to support the first generation students pursuing their dreams at FIU?
$19,419,740.94
awarded (15,328 scholarships) since 2006
Did you know?
Donations to first generation scholarships are now matched 2 to 1 by the state of Florida, tripling the impact of every dollar given.
FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021 HIGHLIGHTS
23%
of undergraduates are first generation (Fall 2020 - FIU 2021 Accountability Plan)
8,629
FIU students met first generation scholarship eligibilty requirements, which include Pell eligibility (maximum expected family contribution of $5,711)
889
FIU students were awarded first generation scholarships
$1,787,521.50 awarded
121
first generation scholarship opportunities are available to students, including the Navarro Family Foundation First Generation Scholarship, the Miami Bayside “City of Miami” Scholarship, the Helios Education Foundation First Generation Scholarship, and more
95%
of students awarded are minorities. Ethnicity: 60% Hispanic 30% Black 5% White 3% Asian 2% Two or More Races
W E H AV E M O R E G O O D T O D O T O C L O S E T H E F I R S T G E N E R AT I O N S C H O L A R S H I P F U N D I N G G A P NUMBER AND % OF ELIGIBLE FIU STUDENTS AWARDED FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARSHIPS (FY 2016-2017 to FY 2020-2021) 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000
6,933
7,599
4,000
7,348
7,142
7,740
3,000 2,000 1,000 489
-
1,571
6%
2016-2017
18%
2017-2018
785
2019-2020
10%
2020-2021
Eligible
#1
in the nation among public universities in advancing social mobility (U.S. News & World Report)
889
10%
824
2018-2019 Awarded
#5
10%
45%
in the nation in awarding bachelor’s and master’s degrees to Hispanic students
of FIU undergraduate students are Pell grant recipients, with a maximum expected family contribution of $5,711 (2020-2021 Award Year)
22%
#1
of FIU undergraduates meet first generation scholarship requirements, including Pell eligibility
FIU has the highest number of eligible first generation scholarship students in the State University System of Florida
10%
of first generation FIU students eligible for a first generation scholarship received an award
F I R S T G E N E R AT I O N S C H O L A R S H I P FUNDING GAP IN FY 2020-2021
$1.79 Million (Average Award Amount $2,011)
Awarded (actual)
Needed to award every eligible student a $2,000 scholarship
$17.26 Million
$0
$5,000,000
$10,000,000
$15,000,000
$20,000,000
TESTIMONIALS FROM FIU’S FIRST GENERATION SCHOLARS
Karen Leach Exceptional Student Education Helios Education Foundation First Generation Scholarship “This scholarship has allowed me the freedom to achieve my degree without the added responsibility of a second job, without the struggle to get books for classes. With the degree I am earning, I can get into my dream career with a higher income as the benefit. This will make my life and my son’s life a little easier of a journey.”
Nicole Rodriguez Early Childhood Education Helios Education Foundation First Generation Scholarship “This scholarship will assist me in reaching my educational goals and will help me greatly financially. College is not cheap, and with this scholarship I will be able to buy things such as textbooks and other items that will help me towards my degree.”
Mary Vega Early Childhood Education Helios Education Foundation First Generation Scholarship “Because of this scholarship, I will be able to take the strain and stress off of my Mom and myself and focus on improving both of our lives while furthering my education.”
To learn more about the First Generation Scholarship Program, visit FirstGen.FIU.edu or email FirstGen@FIU.edu. Designed and printed by FIU’s Division of External Relations_18708_03/22
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