First Generation Scholarship 2026

The First Generation Scholarship is established by the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) to recognize and honor first-generation college students for their academic and leadership initiatives. First-generation students are defined as the first in their families to attend a college or university. The scholarship acknowledges the courage, leadership, and ambition required for first-generation students to pursue higher education and aims to support their positive efforts. The scholarship awards ten recipients $2,000 each. Applicants must be NSHSS members who are first generation high school seniors, college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors. The application requires a 500-800 word essay response addressing challenges faced as a first-generation college student and how they were overcome, along with supporting documents including a headshot, academic resume, transcript, and educator recommendation letter.