Scholarship Opportunity

First Generation Matching Grant Program

Offered by Florida Department of Education

The First Generation Matching Grant Program provides need-based financial aid to eligible Florida resident undergraduate students whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree or higher. The grant is available through participating Florida state universities and Florida College System institutions, with each institution determining its own application process, deadline, eligibility review, and award amount.

EssayNot required
RenewableYes
Grade LevelHigh School Senior, College Freshman, College Sophomore, College Junior, College Senior, Community College Student, Adult Learner

Eligibility

  • Be a Florida resident and a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, as determined by the postsecondary institution.
  • Be accepted by a participating Florida state university or Florida College System institution.
  • Enroll as a degree-seeking undergraduate student in at least six credit hours per term.
  • Demonstrate substantial financial need by completing the FAFSA by the institution's deadline.
  • Be a first-generation college student whose parents have not earned a bachelor's degree or higher.
  • A student who regularly lived with and received support from only one parent may qualify if that parent has not earned a bachelor's degree.
  • Not have previously earned a bachelor's degree.
  • Not owe repayment or be in default under a state or federal grant, loan, or scholarship program unless satisfactory repayment arrangements have been made.
  • Meet any additional eligibility requirements established by the participating institution.

Requirements

  • Complete the FAFSA in time for it to be processed without errors by the institution's deadline.
  • Apply for admission to a participating Florida public university or community college.
  • Complete any institutional financial-aid application or first-generation grant forms.
  • Submit any financial-aid verification documents requested by the institution.
  • Provide information or documentation needed to confirm first-generation status.
  • Enroll in at least six undergraduate credit hours per funded term.
  • Meet the institution's academic progress, renewal, and enrollment requirements.

How to Apply

  1. 1Complete the FAFSA as early as possible.
  2. 2Apply for admission to a participating Florida state university or Florida College System institution.
  3. 3Contact the institution's financial-aid office for its First Generation Matching Grant application procedures and deadline.
  4. 4Complete any required institutional grant application.
  5. 5Submit all requested financial-aid and first-generation eligibility documentation.
  6. 6Review the institutional financial-aid offer for a grant award.
  7. 7Continue meeting the institution's renewal requirements for future funding.