FIRST GENERATION AWARD
2014-2015 Academic Year
Eligible candidates: incoming first year students and transfer students beginning Summer 2014* or Fall 2014 who are
Colorado residents or instate tuition eligible and attending Colorado State University in Fort Collins in person.
DEADLINE: MARCH 3, 2014-- Applications can also be completed online at: www.fga.casa.colostate.edu
Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than March 3, 2014.
Application Essay Questions
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Respond to all of the following four questions (A-D). This is a competitive process, therefore, answer
each question as thoughtfully, concisely, and as concretely as possible.
Double-space, use a font size of 12
Please limit your responses for all questions to 1500 words or no more than three (3) pages total.
Please follow all directions as additional pages or attachments will not be considered. Responses
should be attached to your First Generation Award Application.
Your Name:
Your CSU_ID (if known):
A. Read the description of the “Purpose” on the first page of this application and tell us how a
University education will affect your current family/personal situation and how a degree will then
impact your own future and your community’s well being.
B. There are a number of factors that can present obstacles for many students. These may include, for
example, economic factors (limited income, financial responsibilities), educational factors (family or
school situations that affect learning), or other factors (growing up with English as a second language,
lack of exposure to opportunities, health or disability challenges, etc.). Think about your living situation
and the environment in which you function every day (your family, home life, school life, economic
limitations). What has been challenging and how have you dealt with it?
C. Our country is becoming more diverse and with that, students will be expected to live, learn, and engage
with cultures other than their own. Tell us how you will contribute to and benefit from the enhancement
of diversity at Colorado State University if you become a First Generation Scholar.
D. Describe a personal or family situation or community service project that you have been involved with,
and tell us what lessons you learned from the experience.