WCU First-Generation College Student Scholarships

WCU offers six scholarships opportunities for first-generation college students.

  • The First Generation STEM Scholarship is for juniors and seniors in the STEM majors. Preference is given to students with financial need who intend to go to graduate school.

  • The Lisa Steffy Montemuro '81 Nursing Scholarship is for first generation students who are pursuing a Bachelor's in Nursing or School Nurse Certification. Applicants must be a rising sophomore or higher. The scholarship is renewable as long as the student maintains a 3.0 GPA.

  • The Helen Subach Memorial Scholarship is for a nursing student with GPA 3.0 demonstrating financial need. Preference is given to first generation college students.

  • The Joanne Murphy Trautwein '56 and Victor Rudolf Trautwein, Jr Elementary Ed Scholarship is for an elementary education major with financial need. Preference is given to students from York or Lancaster County and/or who identify as first-generation college students.

  • The North Family First Generation College of Business and Public Management Scholarship. Preference is given to women and/or first-generation college students.

  • The Gunter Communication Sciences & Disorders (CSD) Scholarship Endowment supports a first-generation college rising sophomore or junior pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in CSD. Candidates must have attained a minimum GPA of 3.5 across all academic coursework and must provided evidence of meaningful engagement in both campus and community service. The scholarship is awarded by the Department of CSD and may request addition information on engagement as needed. 

To learn more visit the WCU Financial Aid website

External First-Generation College Student Scholarships

Below are some examples of scholarships that give special consideration to first-generation college students. These are offered by organizations outside of West Chester University.

  • The Kim and Harold Louie Family Foundation Scholarship Program serves high school seniors who intend to pursue a college degree. Applicants should have demonstrated outstanding personal achievements, academic merit, leadership qualities and/or community service. Special consideration is given to first-generation students.

  • The Charles Pulling Sr. Memorial Scholarship is for current college students, or those planning to pursue a post-secondary degree. Preference is given to first-generation students.

  • The Ford Fund Scholarship is for students pursuing STEM-related career areas from under-resourced communities who demonstrate economic need. Preference is given to First-Generation college students. This scholarship targets students residing in Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Kansas City, MO; Louisville, KY; and West Tennessee.