The University of Alabama First-Gen Scholars program offers support and scholarship awards to selected first-generation students. First-Gen Scholars is a highly competitive program, and a limited number of scholarship awards are available each year.
Each fall semester, First-Gen Scholars enter the University as a cohort. Students in the cohort attend an extended orientation and take the same freshman compass course focused on the first-gen identity and transition to college. Students benefit from deeper relationships with UA faculty and staff, meaningful undergraduate engagement, and additional resources to help fund experiential opportunities.
Steps for High School Seniors:
o Complete the UA Scholarship Application by December 5 and complete the first-generation scholarship program essay questions.
o Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1.
o Participate in an interview with the UA First Staff in the spring semester.
Students selected as First Gen Scholars are expected to:
o Enroll in a designated freshman compass course during the fall semester.
o Attend an approved extended orientation.
o Sign up for a Faculty and Staff Mentor.
o Participate in all required activities, programs, and service projects.
o Meet once a semester with UA First Staff.
Click the boxes below to learn more about each scholarship.
Annexstad Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship
Established in 2000 by Al and Cathy Annexstad, the Annexstad Family Foundation aims to support deserving young individuals in achieving their college education aspirations. Through the Leaders for Tomorrow National Scholarship Program, the Foundation targets exceptionally bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have triumphed over significant adversity. Collaborating with The University of Alabama's Honors College, the program provides recipients access to a wide range of academic opportunities. Recipients are selected through a competitive interview process during their senior year of high school, exclusively available to incoming first-year, in-state students. The scholarship is renewable for four years, if recipients meet the renewal requirements set forth by UA and AFF.
Students who are nominated for the Leaders for Tomorrow Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree.
o Be an Alabama resident.
o Demonstrate high financial need as defined by the Student Aid Index (SAI).
o Present an inspiring story of triumph over significant personal hardship, e.g., loss of one or both parents, independent status, disability, abuse, severe illness or injury etc.
Aubrey E. Buchalter Endowed Scholarship
The children of Aubrey E. Buchalter of Tuscaloosa, Alabama established this endowed scholarship to honor their father and promote the education of first-generation students at The University of Alabama.
Each year, one incoming first-year student is selected as a Buchalter Scholar at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for Buchalter Endowed Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
o Students whose high school records of achievement indicate they will be successful in future academic endeavors
Bob and Alice Schleusner First Generation Endowed Scholarship
Robert A. Schleusner III and Anne R. Schleusner of Charlotte, North Carolina established this endowed scholarship to promote the education of students at The University of Alabama.
Each year, at least one incoming first-year student is selected as Schleusner Scholars at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 2.75 GPA.
Students selected for the Schleusner First Generation Endowed Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
o Graduated from an Alabama high school
o Have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
o Demonstrate financial need.
Burton First Generation Endowed Scholarship
Mr. Hal Burton of Key Largo, Florida established this endowed scholarship to promote the education of first-generation students at The University of Alabama.
Each year, two incoming first-year students are selected as Burton Scholars at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years. The first year of this scholarship includes a $1000 technology allowance. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for the Burton First Generation Endowed Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
o Demonstrate financial need.
o Faced hardship in either their personal lives or at home and may not otherwise be able to attend college.
Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship
The University of Alabama was the first public institution to partner with The Coca-Cola Foundation’s First Generation Scholarship Program in 2006. Since that time, the Coca-Cola Foundation has supported over 250 students at UA through a $5 million investment.
Each year, incoming first-year students are selected as Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for the Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
o Be an Alabama resident
o Have a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher
o Demonstrate financial need
Elizabeth Wilson Moore & Jackson Watts Moore First Generation Scholars Endowed Scholarship
Jackson W. Moore and Elizabeth W. Moore established this endowed scholarship to promote the education of first-generation students at The University of Alabama. The Moore First Generation Scholars Endowed Scholarship is intended to provide an annual scholarship to exceptional students who would not be able to attend the University without financial assistance.
Each year, three incoming first-year students are selected as Moore Scholars at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for the Moore First Generation Scholars Endowed Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as an individual both of whose parents did not complete a baccalaureate degree.
o Graduated from an Alabama or Tennessee high school.
o Demonstrate financial need.
Joe & Sara Piper First Generation Quasi Endowed Scholarship
Carl J. Piper, deceased, formerly of Birmingham, Alabama established this quasi-endowed scholarship through his last will and testament to promote the education of students at The University of Alabama. The family is represented by his daughter, Ann Piper Carpenter.
Each year, two incoming first-year students are selected as Piper Scholars at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for the Piper First Generation Endowed Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
o Demonstrate financial need.
Terry and Nick Saban First in Family Scholarship
The Terry and Nick Saban First in Family Scholarships are awarded to students who are the first in their family to attend college. First Generation students become “game changers” for their families and their entire communities providing inspiration, hope and new beginnings. These scholarships transform the lives of the recipients, not only by providing financial assistance but by recognizing their hard work and dedication to academics, leadership and service.
Each year, two incoming first-year students are selected as Saban Scholars at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for the Saban First in Family Scholarship must:
o Be a first-generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree.
Turybury Family First Generation Endowed Scholarship
David E. Turybury and Sheila H. Turybury of York, Pennsylvania established the Turybury Family First Generation Endowed Scholarship to promote the education of first-generation students at The University of Alabama.
Every four years, an incoming first-year student is selected as a Turybury Scholar at The University of Alabama. The scholarship is renewable for four years if recipients maintain a 3.0 GPA.
Students selected for the Turybury Family First Generation Endowed Scholarship must:
o Be a first generation student, defined as a student whose parents have neither more than two years of post-secondary (after high school) education nor a post-secondary degree
o Have a high school GPA of 2.5 or higher.
o Demonstrate financial need.
InfoLooking for More Information?
For more information or to speak with a staff member about any of the scholarship opportunities above, contact firstgen@ua.edu.