Impact In Action
First Generation Award Scholarship Program
At Colorado State University, students matter most. They keep our traditions alive, define our culture, and give us hope that the world of tomorrow will be safe and secure in their hands. They inspire us with their sacrifices and reignite our passions. Students make CSU better because when they succeed we succeed. There is no better example of this than our first-generation students.
Today, one in four CSU students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their immediate family to attend college. Since 1984 the First Generation Program has provided more than $20 million to 2,500 eligible students. The program was first in the nation and has become a model for universities across the country.
For first-generation students, getting to CSU is just the start. A gift to the First Generation Award Legacy Scholarship helps fulfill the Colorado State experience for these students and sets the stage for higher earnings, more job opportunities, and a landmark moment in their story.
By giving to this scholarship and program you’re not only helping CSU fulfill its land grant mission, you’re telling first-generation students they belong here and they matter.

How You Can Help
First Generation Program
Help first-generation college students who have significant financial need.
Give Now »
Support Student Diversity Initiatives
Student diversity initiatives foster a campus community with a wide range of programs and services for a diverse student body.
Give Now »
Rams Against Hunger
Help food-insecure students find the support they need to become healthier and thrive.
Give Now »
Parents Fund
Join parents and families to impact the greatest needs in Student Affairs, including mental health and well-being, Ram Ride, the Career Center, and Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement.
Give Now »
Fostering Success
Build a sense of belonging and support among students who have backgrounds with homelessness, orphanages, and foster care.
Give Now »
Ram Aid
Your gift to the Ram Aid fund builds on the University’s student-success initiatives by helping to ensure those most vulnerable can receive immediate support at a time when they are least able to pay.
Give Now »
Contact us for more ways to support Student Success.
(970) 491-7774 | [email protected]
The Power of Philanthropy
CSU Celebrates 40 Years of First-Generation Program
February 28, 2024
This March, CSU celebrates the 40th anniversary of the nation’s first dedicated first-generation scholarship program.
College of Business alumni create two scholarships to support business students
November 15, 2023
Through the two scholarships they’ve set up, Jack and Tonia Queen hope to support hardworking, ambitious business students — students much like themselves more than 50 years ago.
Giving back to the next generation of Rams
October 23, 2023
High school sweethearts Pat and Linda Brisnehan, who started a family at CSU, have created a scholarship for first-generation students in CSU’s College of Business.