Arlene Kaukus Award for First Generation Students

Must be an undergraduate, first generation student majoring in any academic program at the University at Buffalo. Must complete the FAFSA and have financial need. Preference given to *underrepresented students that graduated from the Buffalo Public Schools.

This is an award and not a scholarship and therefore, you will receive the payment via a paper check. This process can take 2-4 weeks once recipients are selected and complete the Post-Acceptance application.

*For purposes of this scholarship, the term “underrepresented” is intended to refer to individuals who have been historically underrepresented in a particular field of study, profession, or educational pathway based on factors such as socioeconomic background (e.g. Pell eligibility), first-generation college status, geographic origin, educational access, AmeriCorps alumni status, veteran status, or other unprotected characteristics. This term does not establish preference based on race, sex, ethnicity, or any other protected classification under applicable federal or state law.

Award
$600
Departments
Financial Aid Office, Financial Need
Deadline
02/23/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. As a first generation student, please explain your goals, the significance of obtaining your degree and how this award will help you to achieve your objectives.
  2. Do you identify as a member of an underrepresented group based on one or more of the following criteria: socioeconomic background (e.g., Pell eligibility), first-generation college status, geographic origin (e.g., originating from a rural, inner-city, or federally designated underserved area), limited educational access, AmeriCorps alumni status, or veteran status? Note: In accordance with law, this definition does not include protected classifications such as race, sex, or ethnicity or any other protected classification under applicable federal or state law.