2012-2013 Academic Year
Eligible candidates: incoming freshman and transfer students entering Summer 2012* or Fall 2012 who are Colorado residents and attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins in person.
DEADLINE: THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012 Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than Thursday, March 1, 2012. Online applications must be submitted by 11:59pm, March 1, 2012. See bottom of page to proceed to application.
Colorado State University-Fort Collins campus is pleased to announce the First Generation Award Program. To be considered for this award, complete and submit the online application, or complete a paper version of the application. The selection process is competitive and there are a limited number of awards available. The award amount is up to a maximum of $4,000 annually, and is contingent upon full-time enrollment during both the fall and spring semesters of the 2012-2013 academic year. The award carries the possibility of renewal.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the program is to encourage participation in higher education by first generation college students who have significant financial need (as defined by standard calculations based on financial aid application information), and to promote diversity within the University's student population.
A "first generation college student" is a person whose parents have never earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. "Diversity" includes persons with diverse social/economic backgrounds and experiences who have traditionally been underrepresented in higher education and for whom traditional support has been limited; and includes, but is not limited to, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities (including both physical or learning), and those with experience in or a commitment to promoting an awareness or appreciation of diversity.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
To be eligible to receive a First Generation Award, applicants must:
- be a first generation student (neither parent or student has received a bachelor’s or graduate degree).
- be a newly admitted student (for Summer 2012* or Fall 2012) in a degree program at Colorado State University-Fort Collins campus by March 1, 2012. (We recommend that you apply for admission by the February 1, 2012 priority application filing date. Currently enrolled students are not eligible to apply.)
- demonstrate potential for academic success (as reflected by high school or transfer Grade Point Average).
- not have earned a bachelor’s degree.
- document financial need according to the 2012-2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- be a legal resident of the state of Colorado.
- plan to enroll full-time during the 2012-2013 academic year. Full-time means enrolled in at least 12 regular on-campus credits per semester. Test-Out, Online Plus (Division of Continuing Education), and Audited Courses are not considered regular on-campus credits.
- be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen (see FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov for description of eligible noncitizen).
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS. A complete application consists of the following:
- First Generation Award Application, including essay responses. Applications submitted on paper must be signed by the applicant.
- Financial Aid Application. Complete the 2012-2013 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), at www.fafsa.ed.gov by March 1, 2012. List Colorado State University as a school choice to receive the results of your FAFSA. Our school code is 001350. Submit any additional documents requested by Student Financial Services as soon as possible.
* Students may be awarded who are entering in summer 2012; however, funds are disbursed only for the fall and spring semesters. The award is not available for new students entering the spring 2013 semester.
Incomplete applications will not be considered for a First Generation Award. You may or may not be notified that your application is incomplete until the selection process is over, so we recommend that you check your application carefully to be sure it is complete prior to submitting it to the University.
Submit a completed application and essay responses online by clicking the button below, or mail to:
First Generation Award Program
Attn: Shari Douglas
Center for Advising & Student Achievement
Colorado State University
121 TILT Building
Fort Collins, CO 80523-1052
Tel: (970) 491-7711/ Fax: (970) 491-1133
If you are planning to submit your application online, after verifying your eligibility by starting the application process below, you will need to respond to some essay questions and upload your responses. Here are the Application Essay Questions