The Real Challenge for First-Gen Students:
Graduation, Not Enrollment
WHAT WE DO
We know the problem isn’t just about getting into college—it’s graduating. Far too few first-generation college students cross the finish line to earn their degrees.
Here’s the reality:
10%
of low-income college students who start college, graduate college.
20%
of first-generation students graduate college
*compared to 70% of second-generation college students.
These statistics highlight a deeper issue: access to college is just the beginning.
The real challenge lies in providing the ongoing support necessary to help these students stay the course.
That’s where Anaya Scholars steps in—bridging the gaps to help students not just start their college journey, but finish it.
How We Support Our ScholarsBridging Gaps. Elevating Dreams.
At Anaya Scholars, we’re not just bridging gaps—we’re elevating dreams. By addressing the full spectrum of our scholars’ needs, we empower them to focus on what truly matters: their education, their growth, and their future. We’ve created a supportive community that believes every student deserves the opportunity to succeed, no matter the obstacles they face.
Anaya Scholars’ Holistic Approach to Student Success
Financial Support
Each Anaya Scholar receives up to $5,000 over four years to help cover gaps in college expenses, such as tuition shortfalls, books, transportation, tutoring, and meals. This financial support ensures that no unexpected costs derail their academic journey.
One-on-One Mentorship
Our scholars are paired with both adult and peer mentors, who provide consistent, personalized guidance throughout their college experience. Whether navigating academic, emotional, or financial challenges, our mentors are there every step of the way to ensure our scholars remain confident and focused.
Paid Internships
We help Anaya Scholars secure paid internships through our network of professional partners. These internships provide critical financial support while also giving our scholars valuable real-world experience in their chosen fields.
Skills-Building Workshops
We offer a series of targeted workshops for Anaya Scholars, designed to equip them with practical skills for life beyond the classroom. These workshops cover topics such as financial literacy, resume building, and sharpening interview skills, all aimed at preparing them for success in both their academic and professional lives.
Overcoming Barriers to Success
Through personalized support, mentorship, and resources, Anaya Scholars is dedicated to addressing these challenges and ensuring that talented, motivated students can focus on their education and achieve their dreams of graduation and beyond. We’re creating a future where every scholar has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of the obstacles they face.
Anaya Scholars’ Commitment to Empowering Students
At Anaya Scholars, we believe in the potential of talented, motivated young people to thrive in college and beyond, even when faced with significant challenges. Many of our scholars come from backgrounds where accessing and remaining in college is a struggle.
Overcoming Barriers to Success
1. Financial Barriers
For many first-generation and low-income students, coming up with the funds for college is an ongoing challenge. Without the ability to rely on family financial support, students must depend on a combination of financial aid, loans, scholarships, and savings from part-time jobs. Even a slight change in their financial situation—such as losing a job or unexpected expenses—can jeopardize their ability to stay enrolled in college.
2. Lack of Guidance
Many Anaya Scholars are the first in their families to attend college. Without a parent or sibling to guide them through crucial decisions—such as selecting a major, managing financial aid forms, or understanding college policies like dropping a class—these students often feel overwhelmed. Our program helps fill that gap by offering one-on-one mentorship and resources to help them navigate the complexities of college life.
3. Family Responsibilities
Balancing school with family obligations is another hurdle faced by first-generation and low-income students. Often, these students must take on caregiving responsibilities for younger siblings or ailing relatives, and in many cases, work to contribute to family finances. These additional pressures make it harder for them to focus on their studies and participate fully in the college experience.
4. Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome
Feeling like you belong is crucial to academic and social success in college. Yet, for many first-generation and low-income students, college environments can seem designed for those from more privileged backgrounds, fostering feelings of self-doubt or imposter syndrome. At Anaya Scholars, we work to build a strong sense of community and belonging, offering support networks and affirming their place in higher education.
5. Limited Professional Networks
One of the key advantages for students from more affluent backgrounds is access to professional networks that can open doors to internships and career opportunities. First-generation and low-income students often lack these connections, making it more difficult for them to gain the practical experience and networking opportunities necessary for their future careers. Anaya Scholars connects students with industry professionals, mentors, and resources to help them build those vital networks.
6. Balancing Academics with Work
Many of our scholars must work part-time—often long hours—to support themselves and their families while attending college. This juggling act makes it harder for them to keep up with their coursework, participate in campus life, and take advantage of extracurricular opportunities that can enrich their academic experience. Anaya Scholars provides support, helping students manage these competing demands so they can succeed academically.