First Generation to College Support Services names 2023 scholarship recipients

February 14, 2024
Recipients of the UCSF First Generation to College Scholarship for 2023
Recipients of the UCSF First Generation to College Scholarship for 2023.

Twenty students in programs across UCSF’s professional schools and the Graduate Division were awarded the UCSF First Generation to College Scholarship for 2023. The recipients were honored at a lunch.
 
The scholarship, launched three years ago, is worth $3,000 to each first gen recipient, defined as those who are the first in their immediate family to attend college and graduate with a bachelor’s degree.
 
This year, the 20 were chosen from more than 50 applicants. Recipients are from the School of Dentistry (10), School of Medicine (4), School of Nursing (3), School of Pharmacy (2) and one from the Physical Therapy program in the Graduate Division.
 
Nam Nguyen, a scholarship recipient in the School of Dentistry, said, “I’m proud of being first gen because it taught me that the start of the journey doesn't define me; it’s my resilience, hard work, and pursuit of excellence that truly matter.”
 
The UCSF First Generation to College Scholarship was created in partnership with Student Financial Services to uplift first generation students who have contributed to the first-gen community. The scholarship is need-based and applicants are reviewed by a panel of UCSF first-gen alumni.
 
To be considered, students had to be in at least the second year of their academic program, enrolled full-time, and involved in the first-gen community at UCSF or more broadly.  
 

First Gen scholarship luncheon
First Gen Support Services hosted a celebratory lunch for the recipients, their guests, and campus leaders at the Student Sucss Center.

“Being First Gen goes beyond being the trailblazer for others to follow. They are laying the foundation for a future where education is a shared goal, where the aspiration to learn and grow becomes a shared legacy,” said Alece Alderson, assistant vice chancellor of Student Life. “Not only are they navigating a new path for them and their families, but they take the time to support others having similar experiences.”
 
UCSF First Gen students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources offered by First Gen Support Services. Postdocs, clinical fellows, faculty, and others are invited to serve as mentors. Find out how to get involved and see a full list of scholarship recipients at the First Gen Support Services website.

*Photo credit: Mike Mullen