Overcoming barriers to success; Scholarships available for first-generation students pursuing College or University

BY PAUL JUNOR

Find Your Path 2022 Scholarships are available for students who plan to attend either college or university programs. According to the website:www.fypcanada.com, there are significant financial challenges that students from low socioeconomic status face in their pursuit of post-secondary education.

The website referenced an important article by Troy Markowitz (Forbes Magazine, August 8^th, 2017), on “The Barriers to Success and Upward Mobility for First-Generation Students and How to Fix the Problem.” The article describes the fact that students who do not have access to financial resources are at a greater disadvantage and have a lower chance of exploring post-secondary opportunities. The article states, “A staggering 17% of first-generation students attend post-secondary schools in comparison to 50 % of non-first generation students. 75.3 % of first-generation students are forced to seek out part-time employment during their first-year, in comparison to 56.4 % of non-first generation students, which adds increased stress and pressure to a full student’s already heavy workload.”

The article highlights other challenges that are faced in addition to financial obstacles. These include, “A lack of necessary knowledge of post-secondary programs and application processes, as well as necessary equipment to properly apply themselves in their post-secondary institutions.

For example, many low-income households are unable to provide technological aids like computers and other devices, leading to what Forbes estimates as an opportunity gap of 22.96% between low-income first-generation students and high-income non-first generation students.”

The eligibility criteria of the scholarships include the following for qualified candidates:

• Must be a graduating twelfth-grade student in a high school located in the Greater Toronto Area
• Must have been accepted to an accredited post-secondary institution ( i e. university or college)
• Must be the first member of the family to pursue post-secondary education
• Must demonstrate financial need

Qualified candidates who apply for the Find Your Path Scholarship have a chance of receiving a $500 award as well as opportunities for mentorship assistance. Students who are interested in obtaining this scholarship can check the website: www.fypcanada. com. It is important that their applications be emailed to info@fypcanada.com by Monday, April 4^th, 2022. Reference letters can be emailed directly or be sent through the applicant. Application information can be found at http://www.fypcanada.com/application