A first-generation college student means that your parents did not complete a 4-year college or university degree, regardless of other family member’s level of education.

The term "low-income eligible" often applies to students who are Pell-Eligible (as indicated as a result of their processes FAFSA). Another indicator would be an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year (2023) did not exceed 150% of the poverty level amount.

If a student is unsure of their classification as first-generation or low-income eligible, please reach out by visiting the Dean of Students Office on the 1st floor of the Student Services Building or emailing firstscholars@iastate.edu. The team is here to help all students determine what classifications align with your personal status. 

The First Scholars Pathways to Success Program (PTS) is a comprehensive initiative designed to support all facets of the student experience, ensuring that every student has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. This multifaceted program integrates various services and development opportunities to create a well-rounded and supportive environment. By addressing these critical areas, the Pathways to Success program ensures that students are not only academically successful but also well-prepared for life beyond the university. This comprehensive support system empowers students to achieve their full potential and emerge as well-rounded, impactful individuals ready to contribute to society.

COMMITMENT:

There are two paths to joining the Pathways to Success (PTS) Program.  In both instances, students are committing to fulfilling all requirements outlined below in order to remain in good standing with the program.  By joining the Pathways to Success Program, students are taking ownership of their college experience and driving their own success. 

Opt-in: Students may opt into the PTS program by completing the registration form (see below). As a new direct-from-high school first year, you also have the option of opting into the APEX program. This question will be found on the registration form.

Note: All First Scholars Book Scholarship recipients will be enrolled in the PTS program. In order to maintain the book scholarship over the proscribed semesters, all book scholarship recipients must fulfill the PTS requirements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Pathways to Success Orientation: Attend a short session that explains in greater details the Pathways to Success program, requirements, and how to take advantage of all other resources associated with the First Scholars program. This session will take place immediately before the First Scholars Welcome event.

• First Scholars Fall Welcome Event: Formal welcome for First Scholars during the first week of classes.

• Roadmap Recharge Check-in: Meet with your First Scholars Advisor at least 1 time per semester to discuss academic and personal journey, challenges, and successes. Develop an action plan to continue toward success.

• Course Correct: Attend all direct academic support sessions assigned by your First Scholars advisor after midterms discussion.  This may include tutoring, supplemental instruction, academic coaching, or academic navigator session with the Academic Success Center.

• Mentor Meetup: Meet up with your mentor at least 1 time per semester. Take advantage of this time to connect, receive guidance and support, and use your mentor a s true sounding board.
• Attend at least 2 of the following workshops per semester:
  • Academic Support & Success
  • FAFSA & Financial Wellness
  • Career Exploration & Readiness
  • Personal Well-being
  • Graduate School Preparation
  • Leadership and Identity Development

• Annual National First-Generation Student Celebration Event in November: Attendance strongly encouraged. Let us celebrate you!  Join the First Scholars staff, your mentor, and many other first-generation students, staff and faculty on this national day of celebration.

PTS Registration: 

The First Scholars Book Scholarship Program aims to provide financial assistance to student who have demonstrated financial need by awarding book scholarships up to $300 per semester for purchase of required course materials.  As an inaugural initiative, the first cohort of students will receive the award for three (3) semesters: Spring 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 (or until graduation; whichever event happens first). Scholarship awards will be made based on the selection committee's evaluation of applications. The number of scholarships awarded may vary each academic year, depending on available funding.

Eligibility

• Current Student: You must be a current undergraduate or graduate student at Iowa State University.

• Financial Need: Demonstrate financial need, as determined by answers provided on the OneApp application and confirmed by Iowa State University Financial Aid Office and International Students & Scholars Office.
  • Note: Iowa State University does not allow students to obtain financial assistance amounts that exceed financial need. Thus, receiving a book scholarship could impact your financial assistance package depending on your documented financial need. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at financialaid@iastate.edu or 515-294-2223.

• Academic Standing: Undergraduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, while graduate students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

• Low-Income Eligibility:  
  • Domestic Students: The term "low-income eligible" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year (2022) did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount. This will be determined via a FAFSA review where the student income index (previous expected family contributed (EFC)) will be evaluated. If a student has not completed a FAFSA, they will not be eligible for the book scholarship.

• • International Students: Evidence of financial need via the student U-bill and/or student-submitted financial documentation to the International Student & Scholars Office and confirmed financial need by that office.

• First-Generation College Student (Priority consideration but not required): Be enrolled as a first-generation college student, meaning neither parent nor legal guardian has completed a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution

• Completed Application: A completed application includes a well-crafted essay response to a provided essay questions.

Maintaining Eligibility:

• Domestic students: File the FAFSA each year by the priority deadline for that application year.  While a FAFSA is required each year, proving low-income every semester/year of the life of the award would not be required.

• International Students:  Maintain up-to-date and accurate financial records within the Office of International Students & Scholars Office which demonstrate financial need.

• Maintain a 2.0 (undergraduate) or 2.5 (graduate) cumulative Grade Point Average or higher at Iowa State University

Application

Fall 2024 scholarship information will be posted when available.

To apply for this scholarship, please complete the application form available in ISU’s OneApp portal.

• Note: If you have not already done so, students must complete the OneApp general application in order to access the search for and completion of the First Scholars Book Scholarship application.  The general application will show first.

• In OneApp, select “all opportunities” then search for “First Scholars Book Scholarship.”

As you prepare for your next adventure, we invite you to leave behind a legacy that will benefit future Cyclones by donating your cap and gown. In partnership with Enrollment Services, the Center for Student Educational Success (CSES) is collecting graduation caps and gowns to donate to future graduating students who face financial barriers that prevent them from purchasing their own.  

DONATION OPTIONS:   

Collection Bins: Staff and collection bins will be at the north, south, and west entrances Hilton Coliseum immediately following commencement for undergraduate and masters robes.

Mail-in: If you need to hang on to your regalia for a while longer (for pictures or other occasions), you can pick up a postage-paid envelope at the above indicated Hilton locations and mail it in at a later date.   

Starting in Fall of 2024, If you are a graduating student that is low income eligible and are needing help accessing regalia for graduation, please email firstscholars@iastate.edu.

The mentorship program is designed to offer you the guidance and support you need to thrive during your academic journey. Participating students will be paired up with a member of ISU faculty or staff who was also a first-generation and/or low-income college student. Mentors in this program are encouraged to share their knowledge and insights, from academic resources to career development opportunities, and strategies for achieving academic excellence. They are there to provide unwavering support, motivation, and encouragement, helping you stay focused on your goals.  You and your mentor can connect through in-person meetings, video calls, or email correspondence.

The Center for Student Educational Success will coordinate various opportunities for both mentors and mentees to connect, making sure you have access to valuable resources and support. This program is an excellent opportunity for you to make the most out of your university experience. Whether you are seeking academic guidance, career advice, or personal support, this program is here for you.

You can join our community of students, staff, and faculty who are also first-generation and low-income eligible. Students can register for our virtual online community on Canvas to stay connected about programs, support services, scholarships, and more. 

For additional information on this new program, contact the Dean of Students Office.

First Scholars Senior Completion Grant program for First-Generation Low-Income Students seeks to provide targeted financial support to students who are at risk of not completing their degree due to financial difficulties. This grant is designed to reduce economic barriers and promote academic retention, ultimately contributing to higher graduation rates among first-generation, low-income students, including graduating seniors.

To be eligible for the grant, students must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrate financial need, as determined by answers provided on the OneApp application and confirmed by Iowa State University Financial Aid Office
• Pell Grant eligible
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA)
• Be a graduating senior in fall or spring of the current academic year
• Priority consideration but not required: Be enrolled as a first-generation college student, meaning neither parent nor legal guardian has completed a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution

The grant amount will vary depending on individual circumstances but will generally cover expenses such as tuition, books, housing, transportation, and emergency expenses. It may also be renewable on a semester basis based on re-application and continued eligibility. To access the application, students will need to follow the instructions on the Cyclone Success Assistance instructional PDF.

For consideration for Spring 2024, the application will remain open until May 10, 2024 or until funds have been exhausted. 

NOTE: Iowa State University does not allow students to obtain a financial assistance amount that exceeds financial need. Thus, receiving a senior completion grant could impact your financial assistance package depending on your documented financial need. Further, a student may not be able to receive funds "in-hand" to pay for indirect academic costs such as rent, utilities, and food. Before applying for the senior completion grant students are highly encouraged to contact the Financial Aid office to determine if they would be impacted in this manner. financialaid@iastate.edu or 515-294-2223.

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