$100,000 Gift for First-Generation Scholarships

Conferred through the Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages First Generation Scholarship Program, the funding is for scholarships to be awarded during the 2025 calendar year. The first $50,000 has been awarded this spring semester, with $1,000 each going to 50 students who qualify as first-generation students with financial need and submitted the ASU General Scholarship Application. The remaining $50,000 will be awarded for the upcoming fall semester.

Angelo State has long been a popular destination for first-generation students. Currently, nearly 45% of ASU’s undergraduate population qualify as first-generation.

Dr. Mike Salisbury “First-generation students often confront significant obstacles in accessing higher education, succeeding after enrollment and graduating,” said Dr. Mike Salisbury, dean of the ASU Freshman College. “They are also more likely to accumulate student debt. This new scholarship funding allows us to provide another major benefit to first-generation Rams, helping relieve them of financial worries so they can concentrate more fully on their education. It will also help them to graduate with as little debt as possible.”

Angelo State also offers a campus support program for first-generation students, First Generation Rams. It is offered through the Freshman College and is open to all students whose parents/guardians did not graduate from a four-year university. Components of the program include:

• Academic support sessions
• Peer mentors
• Social and campus events
• Student workshops

First Generation Rams is designed to help the students transition and adjust to college life on the ASU campus. It helps track students’ academic progress and addresses any needs that arise so they stay on the path to graduation. It also promotes campus involvement by encouraging participation at campus events and activities.