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Diversity, First-Generation, & Special Programs – Resources for inclusion and college access

 
These programs, scholarships, and tools are designed to empower students from historically underrepresented backgrounds—including first-generation college students, low-income families, students of color, LGBTQ+ youth, undocumented or DACA students, and students with disabilities.
 
From financial aid to mentorship and career guidance, these resources help bridge the gap in access to higher education. Explore targeted college readiness programs, identity-affirming student communities, leadership development opportunities, and application support services that recognize and uplift your unique strengths.
 
Whether you're searching for scholarships for minority students, college planning help for first-generation students, or support networks for LGBTQ+ and disabled youth—this is your gateway to inclusive success.​
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First-Gen College Student Resources

I'm First!

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A national community supporting first-generation college students with stories, tools, and mentoring.​

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Center for First-Generation Student Success

​Offers research, best practices, and resources for students and educators.

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TRIO Programs (U.S. Department of Education)

Federal outreach and student services programs supporting first-gen, low-income, and underrepresented students.

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First Generation Foundation

​Provides mentorship, scholarships, and resources specifically for first-generation students navigating college.

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Scholarships for Minority, LGBTQ+, & Special-Interest Groups

Jack Kent Cooke Foundation

Prestigious scholarships for high-achieving students with financial need.

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Hispanic Scholarship
Fund

Scholarships and support services for Hispanic and Latino students.​

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​UNCF (United Negro College Fund)

​Scholarships, fellowships, and internships for African American students.

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Point Foundation

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Scholarships and leadership programs for LGBTQ+ students.​

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College Access Programs

QuestBridge

Connects high-achieving, low-income students with full scholarships to top colleges.

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NAACP Youth & College Division

Builds Black student leadership through advocacy, civic engagement, and organizing.

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Posse Foundation

Identifies, trains, and supports student leaders from diverse backgrounds to attend partner colleges in cohorts.

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Out for Undergrad

(O4U)

Career and mentorship summits for high-achieving LGBTQ+ college students.

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Upward Bound (TRIO)

Provides academic support, college prep, and mentoring to low-income and first-gen high school students.

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Latino U College Access

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Provides guidance and college access services for first-gen Latino youth. 

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College Possible

​A national nonprofit offering coaching, mentoring, and support for low-income and first-generation students.

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Disability-Focused College Programs

disabilityresources.org

A national education & support hub covering topics like assistive technology, academic accommodations, legal rights, and accessible education content for students with disabilities.

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AHEAD (Association on Higher Education and Disability)

Provides professional development, resources, and policy guidance to support students with disabilities in higher education.

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Think College (Institute for Community Inclusion, UMass Boston)

Focus on inclusive higher education for students with intellectual disability, offering a searchable college database and transition planning guides.

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National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)

Clearinghouse offering legal rights information, campus accessibility tips, mental health support, and help navigating college with a disability.

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Girls in Tech & Women in STEM

NCWIT Aspirations in Computing (AiC)

Offers competitions, awards, scholarships, and a support community for young women and genderqueer students in tech.

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Black Girls CODE

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Empowers girls of color ages 7–17 to become innovators in STEM through coding workshops, hackathons, and mentoring.​

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Million Women Mentors (STEMConnector)

A global movement providing mentorship and career support to girls and women pursuing STEM careers.

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EngineerGirl (National Academy of Engineering)

Inspires middle and high school girls to pursue engineering through writing contests, career profiles, and guides.

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