By Fartun, Providence College Class of 2019

A huge Breakthrough Providence kudos to students who have officially landed on the college/university they will be attending. You’ve studied, taken exams, presented projects, and possibly worked and/or were involved in extracurriculars (like teaching or volunteering with us)–all culminating in sending in your deposit and preparing for orientation.

You did it!

However, for many first generation students, this begins a long battle to afford to stay and learn in your school of choice for four or more years. We spoke with Niimo and Fartun to figure out what they wish they did/knew before starting their college journey. They remembered feeling regret, and feeling the consequence, of not applying or even researching for scholarships. So we asked Fartun to search the internet for scholarship opportunities available for Rhode Islanders. They want to make sure the next generation is better prepared. Luckily, this means the first step has been taken out for you and now its your turn–applying.

Here is a list of scholarship and school financial aid sites to help you fill in any gaps you have in your financial aid package. Learn from our mistakes, as first gen students as well, and create a foundation of success for yourself before your first class!

Scholarship Sites:
FastWeb
College Board
StudentScholarshipSearch
Scholarships.com
Rhode Island Student Loan Authority – Scholarship
GoCollege
The Rhode Island Foundation

School Based:
Bryant University
Brown University Search Engine
Brown University
Community College of Rhode Island
Johnson & Wales University
Naval War College – unable to find financial aid information, we advise you to call their Dean of Students for more info at (401) 841-3373
New England Institute of Technology
Providence College External Resources
Providence College
Rhode Island College
Rhode Island School of Design
Roger Williams University
Salve Regina University
University of Rhode Island

The deadline to file your FAFSA is June 30, 2019. Last year $2.6 billion of free federal aid went unclaimed by high school seniors, its not too late!