First Generation Scholarship

Specifically for 2025-2026 graduating Colorado high school seniors —The 2026-2027 First Generation Scholarship is an opportunity for students whose parents have not completed a 4-year degree from a college or university. Applicants should demonstrate motivation and commitment to higher education and also meet all of the following:

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:
*Must be at least 17 years of age
*25/26 Colorado high school graduate
*Considered a Colorado resident for tuition purposes (College Opportunity Fund eligible)
*Upload a letter of nomination from a high school counselor or teacher.
*Upload unofficial high school transcript that demonstrates a minimum unweighted cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher on a 4.0 grading scale
*If your high school does not provide a transcript with grades and/or credit hours, you must provide these two sources of information to be considered for this scholarship:
ACT sub test scores of 18+ (English) and 23+ (math) or SAT test scores of 470+ (English) and 560+ (math) and
Proof of a competitive academic process at your high school, or a portfolio

Conditions of being a First-Generation Scholar:
*Must enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours at RRCC during the fall and spring semesters, and maintain a 2.50 cumulative grade point average.

• The First-Generation Scholarship is worth up to $7,000. It will prorate based on the number of credits in which a student is enrolled ($1,750 for 12+ credits per semester, $1,500 for 9—11 credits, and $1,150 for 6—8 credits)

Other important Notes:
»This scholarship pertains to 2025/2026 Colorado high school graduates only.
»Scholarships or financial awards issued by the College may be reduced if the student qualifies for a need based financial aid award, according to federal or state guidelines.
»Students may receive only one of the following RRCC institutional scholarships – Community Leaders, First Generation, Early High School Senior Achievement, and RRCC-Warren Tech.
»Submitting a financial aid application is highly recommended.
»Completion of this scholarship application does not guarantee an award. All completed applications that meet the scholarship requirements will be reviewed after the deadline. Those who meet the minimum qualifications listed will be notified in April 2026 via cccs student email* regarding whether or not they were selected.
»*NOTE: Students receive a cccs student email address approximately 48 hours after they register for a RRCC course(s).