Supporting First-Generation Students
Before students seriously consider colleges, many are asking one core question: “Can I really afford this?”
For first-generation students, cost concerns often come before college exploration. Introducing scholarships and financial aid early helps students see that college affordability is possible, not hypothetical.
This mini toolkit highlights:
- Where students want the most help
- Practical ways educators can support them
- Quick, low-prep activities that build confidence and awareness
What the Research Says
Recent research from Eduventures® shows that scholarship support is the number one area where high school juniors and seniors want help, even more than FAFSA guidance.
Scholarships are appealing because they don’t need to be repaid and often recognize merit, talent, or life experiences. However, students—especially first-gen students—often find the process overwhelming.
Common barriers include:
- Many sources: Colleges, local organizations, state programs, and national awards
- Different requirements: Essays, recommendations, portfolios, and eligibility rules
- Unclear fit: “Am I eligible?” and “How does this work with my other aid?”
What You Can Do
You don’t need to do everything! Start with one or two of these:
- Share curated lists of legitimate scholarships (local + trusted national)
- Introduce scholarship searching in junior year, not just senior year
- Help students keep a simple scholarship tracker (deadlines, materials, status)
- Offer short essay-writing or review sessions during class or advisory
- Explain award stacking so students understand how scholarships affect other aid
- Walk through a financial aid award letter to show where scholarships fit
Lesson Excerpt: Connecting Work, Wages, and the Future
Students often say, “But I already have a job.”
While current jobs may meet today’s needs, students may not realize how future goals, lifestyle choices, and rising costs affect long-term financial stability.
In this activity (from Encourage’s Finance lesson):
- Students identify their future lifestyle goals
- Calculate a minimum salary to support that vision
- Use that salary to explore jobs online or within Encourage
- This helps students see how education, earnings, and affordability connect.
Get the full lesson plan
You can access the full My Finances lesson plan in your Encourage for Educators account. Log in or request your account below:
Conversation Starter & Wrap-Up
No Prep Conversation Starter
Use this anytime you need to re-engage students or gauge understanding:
Write one question you have about how people pay for college.
Bringing it all together
Thank you for caring so deeply about your students and supporting their success. That commitment matters most.
We’re building something new to help you quickly find content that genuinely resonates with students and encourages new ways of thinking. It’s a first-of-its-kind approach in free college and career planning. Coming soon!
For now, learn about Encourage
