First-Generation College Resources
Everything a first-generation Hispanic family needs to navigate college — in one place, in English and Spanish.
Curated by Sarah Jimenez, bilingual college counselor who has guided 500+ families across all 50 states and Puerto Rico.
Average student-to-counselor ratio at U.S. public high schools. Your school counselor cannot give your student a strategic plan.
Of first-gen students say they lacked adequate guidance during the college application process. The gap is real — and it's fixable.
States and territories Sarah has served. This resource hub reflects what she's learned from 500+ first-gen families across the country.
The Core First-Gen Resource Stack
These three resources cover the most critical knowledge gaps first-generation families face — start here before anything else.
First-Generation College Student Guide
The complete strategic playbook for first-gen students and families. Covers everything from high school course selection through college applications, financial aid, and FAFSA — written specifically for families navigating the process for the first time.
First-Gen Family Stories
"No one in my family went to college." — 5 real first-generation families share their journeys, what they got wrong, and how strategic counseling changed their outcomes. The most emotionally resonant content on the site.
¿Qué es el FAFSA y Cómo Funciona? / What Is FAFSA?
The complete bilingual guide to FAFSA for Hispanic and first-generation families. Covers the filing timeline, what information you need, how the SAI/EFC is calculated, mixed-status household guidance, and the 6 most common mistakes that cost families financial aid.
Additional Resources
Scholarships for Hispanic & Latino Students
18+ scholarships curated specifically for Hispanic and Latino students. Filter by type (Hispanic Identity, Merit, Need, STEM, Community), state (Nationwide, Florida, California), and DACA eligibility. Includes TheDream.US, Golden Door Scholars, HSF, Gates, LULAC, and more.
Guía DACA e Indocumentados (Español)
Comprehensive guide in Spanish for DACA and undocumented students navigating college admissions. Covers Dream Act scholarships, state-level financial aid, in-state tuition policies, and safe strategies for applications.
Curated by Your Expert
Sarah Jimenez
MRS COLLEGE COUNSELOR — Doral, FL
15+ years. 500+ families. All 50 states and Puerto Rico. Fully bilingual (English/Spanish). Sarah created every resource in this hub based on the real questions first-generation Hispanic families have asked her across hundreds of counseling sessions. This isn't content optimized for algorithms — it's guidance built from real families navigating a real process.
Questions About First-Gen College Guidance
The most common questions from families who've never navigated this before.
Ready to Go Beyond the Resources?
Free resources answer general questions. A session with Sarah answers the specific ones — the ones about your student, your situation, and your family's path forward.