Joseph Lee Family Award for First Generation Learners

What you will need

• ✓ A statement outlining the importance of being a member of the first generation of your immediate family to pursue a post-secondary degree
• ✓ A statement outlining your community and volunteer involvement
• ✓ At least one letter of reference from someone who can verify your community/volunteer service and the impact of your role

About this award

SFU gives one or more of these awards each year, each worth at least $5,000. This is an award, not a loan, so there is nothing to repay. This is for you if you are a trailblazer in your family, pursuing a university degree while your parents did not have the opportunity to complete post-secondary education themselves. This award is given in the summer term. Simon Fraser University takes applications for summer undergraduate awards from May 3 to May 21, 2027. When you apply, ask how and when you'll hear back — email, portal, or phone. The Senate Undergraduate Awards Adjudication Committee chooses the winners. Ask Simon Fraser University roughly how many applicants they typically receive so you can judge your odds. Ask Simon Fraser University during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Simon Fraser University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

To qualify, you must be pursuing a bachelor's degree at SFU (Simon Fraser University) and be enrolled full-time in the term of eligibility. You must be in good academic standing and have a record of contributing to the well-being of your local, provincial, or national community. Finally, your parents must have never completed a post-secondary education at an institution anywhere in the world.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

• ✓ Open to undergraduate students

How to apply

1. 1

   Read the award's official page

   Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.

2. 2

   Ask for reference letters2 weeks

   Give your referees at least two weeks' notice, and send them your résumé.

3. 3

   Write your essay

   Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.

4. 4

   Submit your application

   Save a copy, and submit at least a day before the deadline shown above.

Tips for applying

• Personal StatementAvoid writing a generic list of your achievements. Instead, focus on the emotional and practical importance of being the first in your immediate family to pursue a degree. Describe the specific challenges you overcame to get to university.
• ReferencesAvoid using a reference who only knows you casually. Instead, choose someone who can specifically verify the impact your volunteer work had on others. Ask them to provide concrete examples of your contributions.
• StrategyAvoid treating your community involvement as a side note. Instead, treat your volunteer statement as a core part of your application. Connect your desire to help others with your goals for your degree.
• RealismAvoid assuming that a high GPA is enough to win. Instead, remember that this award asks for first-generation status and community contributions, not only good grades. Make sure your statements show you meet both.

Questions students ask

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