- Home
- /
- Admissions
- /
- First Generation Initiative
First Generation Initiative (FGI)
New beginnings: The first of many at Saint Mary’s.
As the first in your family to attend college, you’ll be the first to experience the many opportunities that a college experience and education offers. At Saint Mary’s, these opportunities are abundant, from a supportive community, a vibrant campus life, a quality education, and the chance to step out of your comfort zone to achieve incredible things and meet even more amazing people.
At Saint Mary’s, you’re considered a first-generation student if your parent(s) or legal guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college degree. The First-Generation Initiative (FGI) Scholarship program at Saint Mary’s recognizes the need for academic, personal, and financial support for college success and provides the resources to ensure your success in college and beyond.
As an FGI Scholar, you’ll receive academic and financial support while becoming a part of a vibrant and welcoming community dedicated to your success. Thanks to generous philanthropy of benefactors, the financial burden of attending college is lessened for you and your family — so you can focus on achieving your dreams.
Additional programming and support are also available to those who do not receive the FGI Scholarship, but still identify as a first generation student. Join our first gen network today!
Read More
First Generation Initiative Scholarship
Focus on your future, and less on the financial aspects of college. The FGI Scholarship covers the full tuition and basic room and board for four years. Beyond financial support, FGI Scholarship recipients gain access to social programming, career readiness workshops, professional development outings, and more — providing a complete college experience. Scholars are selected based on their record of academic achievement and an exhibited financial need.
A brighter future for all.
When Jacqueline (Jacky) Beltran ’24 heard she was accepted as a First Generation Initiative Scholar, she admits, it was emotional for her and her family. “I’m very thankful. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel like they’re really helping us accomplish our dreams and our families’ dreams. They’re brightening our future.”
Read moreCountdown to College
Countdown to College (C2C) is a unique summer program for 9th-12th graders, designed to prepare first-generation students for the rigors of college. Here, students will make life-long connections, explore the Winona area, and create lasting summer memories.
While participation in the C2C program is not required to apply as a first-generation student at Saint Mary’s, it offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience college life — especially as a Cardinal!
The gift of a brighter future.
Brother William Mann, 13th President of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, founded the First Generation Initiative (FGI) program in 2010 to provide a Saint Mary’s college experience to first-generation college students without the financial burden.
Through philanthropic gifts, Brother William Mann intended to “ensure that bright young students with economic challenges, but also endless potential, be given the opportunity to excel academically.”
Today, the First Generation Initiative Scholarship programs stand testament to the Lasallian ethos of the university. With over 70 graduates of the program, FGI truly embodies Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s mission of touching hearts and transforming lives.
Your gift makes a difference.
We’re committed to supporting first-generation students in their pursuit of higher education. Your generosity can help these students overcome financial barriers and achieve their academic dreams. This program is made possible thanks to the kindness and generosity of benefactors like you.