First-Gen Achievers Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Custodio & Dubey LLP

Custodio & Dubey LLP (CD Law) is pleased to announce the First-Gen Achievers Scholarship, a $1,000 award created to help first-generation students ease the financial burden of college. We recognize how challenging it can be to pursue higher education without family precedent or financial resources. This scholarship—offered for the first time nationwide—aims to reward perseverance and encourage students to continue their academic journeys.

Attorney Miguel A. Custodio Jr., partner and co‑founder of Custodio & Dubey LLP, knows firsthand the impact of being the first in a family to attend college. After becoming the first person in his family to obtain higher education, Mr. Custodio advanced to become the sole partner at the Law Firm of Miguel A. Custodio Jr. In his honor, we are excited to read applications and highlight the accomplishments of first-generation students. To be considered, submit your completed application by April 30, 2026.

Eligibility
- Open to first-generation students planning to be enrolled in a two- or four‑year post‑secondary program for the Fall 2026 term. This includes current high school seniors, vocational students, undergraduate students, and graduate students.
- High school seniors who have not yet registered for college must attach an acceptance letter.
- Applicants must be legal residents of the United States and currently reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia.
- Employees of Custodio & Dubey LLP (CD Law), their family members, and anyone living in the same household of such employees are ineligible.
- Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Application requirements
- Complete the application form below and provide all requested information.
- Submit a 750‑word personal essay responding to the prompt below:
- This scholarship supports students who are the first in their families to pursue higher education. For many, the college path is more difficult without parents or siblings who have navigated it, and financial constraints can add further obstacles. Explain what attending college means to you and why it matters in your life.
- Essays will be screened for AI-generated content. Applications will be disqualified if AI writing is detected.
- Include a professional résumé outlining academic, work, and extracurricular experience.
- Provide a transcript from your current school.
- First‑year college students, recent transfers, or graduate students may submit an unofficial transcript from their current institution plus the most recent official transcript from their prior school.
- High school applicants must provide proof of acceptance to their intended college or university.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are from or attend secondary school in the state.

Selection and contact information
- The scholarship recipient will be selected during the month following the application deadline.
- For questions specifically about this scholarship, please use the contact form at the bottom of this page. We are unable to respond to scholarship inquiries by phone, email, or other contact methods listed elsewhere on this website.