Our Crowdfunding Groups
IN HONOR OF NATIONAL FIRST GEN DAY, WE LAUNCHED THIS CAMPAIGN FOR THE FIRST GEN BRUINS SCHOLARSHIP!
The goal? To ensure every First-Gen Bruin has access to opportunity. Through this scholarship fund, we want to ensure students graduate from UCLA on time and have the financial freedom to take full advantage of the extracurricular activities, resources, and traditions UCLA has to offer. By building this scholarship fund, we will help students make history for themselves and their families, as well as inspire the next generation of scholars, activists, and leaders. We hope to create an endowed fund and you can make a difference starting today. Right now.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FIRST-GEN?
Good question! A "first-gen" is a student whose parent or guardian has not received a four-year college or university degree in the US. First-Gens make up a large proportion of the UCLA population—in fact, 1 in 3 undergraduate students at UCLA identifies as first-gen! Our diverse community includes students of all ethnicities, professions, backgrounds, and ages.
WHY DO FIRST-GEN BRUINS NEED YOUR SUPPORT?
First-Gen Bruins are incredibly resilient and persistent. Yet, they also face many unique challenges during their college journey. They don't always know how to access support and services on campus. Even though First-Gen Bruins get to college, they don't always graduate and they are much less likely to complete college than their peers. Affording the increasing cost of higher education should not be one of the reasons that keeps First-Gen Bruins from getting their degrees. Today, we have the power to change that. Through your generosity, we can ensure every First-Gen Bruin graduates! This is evident in the words of a former student and scholarship recipient.
“In 2018, I moved to Los Angeles … This scholarship has helped ensure that I can see to my academic endeavors without sacrificing the things that give students the support and security that they need, such as housing, food, and transportation. I am grateful for the opportunity to finish my degree within the projected timeline of transfer students and thank you for bringing my and other student’s dreams closer to reality.”
WHAT IS THE UCLA FIRST-GEN ALUMNI NETWORK (FGAN)?
FGAN is the first and only First-Gen alumni network in the University of California system. We support current students, alumni, and the broader First-Gen community through scholarships, mentorship, community engagement, and leadership and professional development.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE UCLA FOUNDATION'S DISCLOSURE STATEMENTS FOR DONORS
Your donation can pay for a first-gen Bruin to get coffee, tea, or a quick snack between classes.
Many first-gens struggle to pay for basic needs on campus, including food. Your gift will help a student buy dinner after a long day of studying.
Maybe it's for gas, maybe it's Big Blue Bus fare for a month. Either way, your donation means that one more first-gen Bruin will get to and from campus without worrying.
Almost all UCLA courses are online these days, but high-speed internet access is expensive--and many first-gens can't afford it. Your gift of $75 will keep a student connected.
Even students who study hard sometimes need a little extra help. Unfortunately, many first-gen students can't afford tutoring. Your donation will allow a struggling student get their learning back on track.
In this pandemic moment, lots of Bruins are struggling to stay physically and mentally healthy. Insurance doesn't always cover the full cost of a trip to the doc--but your donation can help a first-gen student afford the bill.
Textbooks are expensive, and the cost can be an especially big burden for low-income first-gen students. Your thoughtful gift of $250 will help cover a student's bill at the uni bookstore.