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Am I first-gen?
Most colleges say yes if neither of your parents finished a four-year (bachelor's) degree. A parent who took some college classes or earned an associate degree or certificate does not change that. An older sibling in college doesn't change it either.
Two situations depend on the college or program:
A parent earned a bachelor's degree outside the U.S. Some programs still count you as first-gen, and some don't.
You were raised by one parent. Some programs look only at the parent you lived with.
Don't rule yourself out. Check each college's definition, or ask Ms. Wuerthner.
Guides and directories
FirstGen Forward: Are You a First-Gen Student? Tips for applying to and attending college.
Rise First: a directory of more than 1,200 programs, scholarships, and tools for first-gen, low-income students.
I'm First!: stories and blogs from first-gen students and graduates.
Local help
10,000 Degrees, Sonoma County: scholarships, financial aid support, and programs for high school students. The scholarship application is here.
Support programs at California colleges
EOPS (community colleges): counseling, priority registration, and transfer help for low-income students. See Santa Rosa Junior College EOPS.
EOP (all CSU campuses and some UCs): admission, academic, and financial support. For a CSU, you apply inside Cal State Apply by answering "Yes" to the EOP question, and you need two letters of recommendation. Do it when you apply; do not wait until you enroll. See Sonoma State EOP.
Free advising and mentoring
ScholarMatch: Destined for College: free virtual college coaching for first-gen juniors and seniors from low-income backgrounds.
UStrive: a free online mentor who helps with college, financial aid, and scholarship applications.
Matriculate: free virtual advising from trained college students for high-achieving students from low-income families.
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