The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has announced a $500 million scholarship initiative aimed at supporting first-generation college students from low-income families. The program will fund full tuition, room, board, and living expenses for up to 10,000 students over the next decade.
Eligible students must come from families earning below $75,000 annually and be the first in their immediate family to pursue a four-year degree. The scholarships will be distributed through a network of 200 partner universities across all 50 states.
Beyond financial support, recipients will have access to mentorship programs, career coaching, and summer internship placements to improve graduation and employment outcomes.