The First Generation Matching Grant Program (FGMG) provides need-based grants to undergraduate students who are enrolled in state universities and whose parents have not earned baccalaureate degrees. Available state funds are contingent upon matching contributions from private sources on a dollar-for-dollar basis. 

More and more students whose parents have not attended college are pursuing higher education. These students are less likely to have been groomed for college, and most will have to overcome great obstacles simply to gain acceptance by a college or university. Once enrolled, only 24% of first-generation students will earn a bachelor’s degree. Research shows these students have a better chance of completing a bachelor’s degree if they begin their post-secondary education at a four-year college or university.

Studies show that the most important reason first-generation students graduate from college are so they can achieve upward mobility and later assist their families. In fact, they often face the challenge of having to work full-time while in school in order to financially provide for large families. Without financial assistance, these students will often have an interrupted college experience and risk not completing their education leaving themselves and their families in poverty.  

Compared to other college students, first-generation students are more likely to be: 

• Minority
• From lower-middle class or poor socioeconomic families
• No longer dependant on parental support
• In need of scholarships, grants, student loans and/or other financial aid
• Working full or part-time
• Less academically prepared
• Enrolled on a delayed basis

UCF has one of the highest enrollments of first-generation students in the state of Florida with over 7500 of our undergraduates falling into this category. On average, the annual estimated family contribution of a first-generation student is $8,727, leaving a financial gap of nearly $7,000 per year, or $28,000 over the course of a four-year education. This gap can make a college education seem impossible. And, as challenging economic times continue, it is anticipated that unmet financial need will increase placing these students, their education and their futures even more at risk.

The State of Florida First Generation in College Matching Grant Program makes available a dollar-for-dollar match on private contributions that support these at-risk students. UCF has $979,452 available for matching in 2008-2009. Success in meeting that challenge means $1,958,904 in financial support for first-generation students. 

Contributions designated to the following accounts will be eligible for a match: 

• Burnett Honors College

• College of Arts and Humanities
• College of Business Administration
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Computer Science
• College of Health and Public Affairs
• College of Nursing
• College of Sciences
• First Generation Scholarships General Account
• Rosen College of Hospitality Management

*Gifts must be received by November 20, 2009 to be eligible for the 2009 match.