First Generation College Student | College Promise Coalition

Emilee

Emilee https://collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Emilee-Groth.jpg 720 1081 College Promise Coalition College Promise Coalition //collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CPC_lbue_logo.png October 1, 2021 January 10, 2026

“A college education is about more than just me and my needs. I want a college degree so that I can support my future family and provide them with experiences/opportunities my parents could never give me. So many people in my nursing program couldn’t go to school without financial aid.”

Emilee is a second-year Gonzaga University student and the first in her family to attend college

Share this story

Anjelique

Anjelique https://collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Anjelique-scaled.jpg 1080 1920 College Promise Coalition College Promise Coalition //collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CPC_lbue_logo.png March 1, 2021 January 10, 2026

“[Education is] important to me because I wanted to be the first in my family to finally be able to have the chance in going to college and learn and achieve my goals. Also, I wanted to show an example to my younger siblings that anything is possible for you, you just have to put the time and energy into it.”

Anjelique is a first-year nursing student at Big Bend Community College and the first in her family to attend college.

Share this story

Matthew

Matthew https://collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Matthew-L-scaled.jpg 1440 1920 College Promise Coalition College Promise Coalition //collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CPC_lbue_logo.png February 1, 2021 January 10, 2026

“Without the Washington College Grant, I would not have even considered pursuing postsecondary education. The Washington College Grant has removed my financial barriers allowing me to pursue my goals and the confidence to know that I can make a bigger impact in my community.”

Matthew is a second-year biology student at Edmonds Community College and first in his family to attend college.

Share this story

Jesus Junco Garcia

Jesus Junco Garcia https://collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jesus.jpg 1102 1092 College Promise Coalition College Promise Coalition //collegepromisewa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/CPC_lbue_logo.png January 15, 2021 January 10, 2026

“It literally wouldn’t be possible to attend college without the scholarships I’ve received. I’m very grateful for them.”

Jesus is first-year Grays Harbor College student and first in his family to attend college. Watch the video below to hear his story.