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Athletic, Endowed & First-Gen Scholarships

Explore scholarship opportunities that reward athletic talent, financial need, leadership, and first-generation status. From major universities to smaller colleges, these scholarships help students reduce college costs and gain access to high-quality education.

Athletic Scholarships

Athletic scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who compete at high levels in sports. These scholarships often cover tuition, room, board, and more. Opportunities exist at NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA levels.

  • NCAA Division I Football – Full-ride scholarships at schools like Alabama or Ohio State.

  • NCAA Basketball (Men/Women) – Offered by elite schools such as Duke and UConn.

  • NAIA Soccer Scholarships – Available at smaller colleges like Lindsey Wilson College.

  • NJCAA Baseball – Scholarships for two-year college athletes across the U.S.

  • NCAA Women’s Volleyball – Full rides at top programs like Stanford or Nebraska.

Explore: NCAA Scholarship Guide | NAIA Info | NJCAA Resources


🎓 Endowed Scholarships

These scholarships are funded through donations and endowments from alumni or foundations. They often cover full financial need without loans and may include leadership or academic requirements.

  • Gates Millennium Scholars – Stanford

  • Morehead-Cain – UNC Chapel Hill

  • QuestBridge Match – Princeton & others

  • Davidson Trust – Davidson College

  • Cornell Endowed Scholarships – Cornell University

Explore: QuestBridge | Morehead-Cain | Cornell Aid


First-Gen Student Opportunities

Colleges and private organizations offer special scholarships for students who are the first in their family to attend college.

  • I’m First! Scholarship by Center for Student Opportunity

  • First Scholars Program – Various Universities

  • TRIO and McNair Scholars Programs

  • Institutional First-Gen Grants and Mentoring Programs

Explore: I’m First! | First Scholars | TRIO Programs

Quick Tips

Athletic Scholarships

  1. Start Early. Recruitment often begins as early as 9th or 10th grade.

  2. Register with the NCAA or NAIA Eligibility Centers to stay eligible.

  3. Build a highlight reel and maintain strong academic performance.

  4. Explore all divisions. D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and NJCAA offer different options.

Endowed Scholarships

  1. Target colleges with generous endowment-based aid programs.

  2. Apply early. Many require additional essays or leadership proof.

  3. Look for full-need/no-loan pledges from selective institutions.

  4. Use tools like QuestBridge to match with top endowment-backed schools.

👨‍👩‍👧 First-Gen Student Opportunities

  1. Identify colleges with dedicated first-gen offices and support.

  2. Apply to programs like TRIO, McNair, and I’m First! scholarships.

  3. Mention your first-gen status in essays. It's a strength.

  4. Seek out mentoring and grant programs through your school or state.

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