First-Generation Scholarship

Since its founding in 1948, Fisher has enrolled a high percentage of first-generation college students. In the fall of 2023, Fisher welcomed its 25th cohort of the First-Generation Scholars Program.

About the Fannie and Sam Constantino First-Generation Scholarship

The Constantino Family welcomes students to the First-Generation Scholars Program at Fisher.

Each year, the Fannie and Sam Constantino First-Generation Scholarship is given to 24 qualified high school students who exhibit a high degree of motivation and academic potential, and whose parent(s) or guardian did not graduate from a postsecondary institution.

Selected students come to campus with a passion for civic and community engagement, develop as leaders, and cultivate a practice of impactful engagement with the community. The scholarship award reduces tuition and room and board fees by one-half, for up to four years, in exchange for full participation in programming each semester. 

Benefits of the First-Generation Scholars Program

First-Generation Scholarship recipients enjoy training and seminars to support them on their journey.

The first-year program of coursework and advising at Fisher is ideally suited to meet the needs of first-generation students. Fisher offers Scholars access to an outstanding faculty and staff who empower students to discover their natural abilities and develop their minds. Other benefits include:

• Seminars to empower Scholars as leaders and engaged citizens.
• Training to prepare Scholars for thoughtful, empathetic, and culturally responsive participation in community engagement activities.
• Support to build critical thinking skills throughout the experience.

Partnering with the Greater Rochester Community

Community Engagement Experiences

Through the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement's partnerships with local nonprofits, sophomore, junior, and senior Scholars have the opportunity to support the greater Rochester community. Community engagement experiences provide academic enrichment and preparation for career and leadership. Specific information about community engagement hours is provided by the Associate Director of the Institute for Civic and Community Engagement.

Fisher-Sponsored Transportation to Civic Engagement Sites

Scholars should find their own transportation to off-campus programs and civic engagement sites. St. John Fisher University will endeavor to provide transportation to off-campus programs for Scholars who live on campus (subject to availability, budgeting limits, and other transportation demands). Fisher has no liability for any transportation method used by any student, other than transportation on official Fisher vehicles. Please plan accordingly.