First Gen Scholarship
The UCSF First Generation to College Scholarship was created in partnership with Student Financial Services to uplift first generation students who have contributed to the first gen community. The scholarship is need-based and eligible students are invited to apply every year. Scholarship applications are reviewed by a panel of UCSF first gen alumni.
Congratulations to the 21 recipients of the 2025 First Gen Scholarship!
Here they are with a few words of their own on the prompt, "What is something you are proud of being First Gen?"
Karrar Alrubaye
School of Dentistry
“I take pride in turning obstacles into opportunities—not just for myself, but for those who come after me. Navigating an unfamiliar education system without a blueprint required resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to break barriers, proving that first-generation students don’t just belong in higher education—we redefine it.”
Brandon Annabel
School of Nursing
"As a first generation student, and a soon-to-be Nurse Practitioner, I am proud to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need."
Darnell Cuylear
School of Dentistry
"As a first-generation student, I take pride in forging my own path, turning challenges into opportunities, and pushing the boundaries of science and dentistry. My journey is about more than just personal success—it's about opening doors for others, proving that with resilience and ambition, anything is possible."
Kevin Dinh
Physical Therapy
"Being first-gen, I’m proud to know that my achievements are also the shared successes of so many others and that all the opportunities I’ve received will allow me to pay it forward."
Yasmin Eltawil
School of Medicine
"I’m proud of being first-generation because it has shaped my resilience, drive, and commitment to creating opportunities for myself and others."
Maria Gonzalez
School of Medicine
"I'm proud of being a first-gen student because it has taught me resilience, adaptability, and the power of turning obstacles into opportunities."
Adrian
Hernandez-Rivera
Physical Therapy
"Knowing that I can inspire the next generation of first gen health professionals."
Diego
Martinez Mendiola
School of Medicine
"I am proudest of having forged my own path toward medicine without a predefined blueprint, turning the uncertainty of navigating higher education into opportunities for myself and other first gen students!"
LaTasha Mitchell
MS-HAIL
"I'm proud that being first-generation means being part of a resilient, vibrant community of trailblazers who prove that with determination and support, we can transform not just our own lives but inspire future generations to see that their dreams are within reach."
Emma Nedley
School of Dentistry
"I'm incredibly proud of my parents for the tireless efforts they've poured into my life, always working to create opportunities and build a strong foundation for me to reach my full potential."
Richard Ngo
School of Medicine
"As a first gen student, I’m proud that despite the obstacles, we can persevere and thrive together by leaning on one another."
Oluchi Okwu
School of Nursing
"I'm proud of being first-gen because it has given me the resilience, determination, and perspective to break barriers and create opportunities for myself and my community."
Michael Ouyang
School of Pharmacy
"As a first-generation pharmacy student, I’m proud to represent my family’s hopes and dreams, pushing forward in the pursuit of a career that impacts lives."
Gobinder Pandher
School of Medicine
"I take pride in my immigrant parents’ sacrifices and am committed to honoring their struggles by returning to serve the community that raised me."
Bryan Ramirez
School of Medicine
"Showing my family that success is defined by the love and support you have, not by the things you own."
Ankit Salhotra
School of Medicine
"I'm proud of being first-gen because it means I’ve navigated uncharted territory, turning challenges into opportunities for myself and my family."
Saveena Sandhu
School of Pharmacy
"I take pride in being a first-generation Punjabi pharmacy student because it allows me to bridge cultural understanding in healthcare while opening doors for future generations."
Andy Velazquez
School of Dentistry
"It has helped shape me into the person I am today!"
Emily Yang
School of Dentistry
"I'm proud to have the opportunity to pursue a graduate career and provide support to others in the first gen community achieve their academic goals!"
*2 recipients not pictured.
See previous recipients -
2023 First Gen Scholarship Recipients
2022 First Gen Scholarship Recipients
2021 First Gen Scholarship Recipients