First-Generation Excellence Awards
First-Generation Excellence Awards began in the Fall of 2024 as a result of the Forty-Niner First-Gen Supporters (F1GS) Recognition Committee to recognize more First-Gen students for their successes and achievements. All nominees receive a certificate of recognition, and the winners receive a plaque that they can display with pride wherever their next leads them.
With support from the 49er Family Fund, students who receive these awards are provided a monetary gift to support their journeys toward their next.
This award process happens semesterly. This Spring, award applications are open September 18th and close October 3rd. You may apply to both!
Eligibility:
These awards are only available to First-Generation Niners.
First-Generation Niners are students whose parents and/or guardians did not complete a four-year college degree.
- Am I still first-gen if my sibling has a degree? YES
- Am I still first-gen if my parents/guardians have an associate’s degree? YES
- What if my parents/guardians have a degree from another country? YES
The Community Impact Excellence Award is designed to recognize First-Gen Niners who have demonstrated outstanding and a sustained commitment to service. This service can be to their campus, to the greater area of Charlotte, or to their home communities, or any combination of those 3 areas. This prestigious award is open to graduating seniors who have consistently volunteered their time to serve others during their tenure at UNC Charlotte.
Application Requirements:
- # of Community Service Hours accumulated while at Charlotte
- A personal narrative detailing what service to the community means to you and your impact on your community (no more than 300 words)
- Most up-to-date resume
- A letter of support (no more than 300 words)
- This person must be someone who can speak to your commitment to service (peer, student org advisor, supervisor at a volunteer organization, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have maintained a high GPA throughout their academic career.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to community engagement excellence, as evidenced by their volunteer hours, involvement in campus organizations, and leadership experiences.
Selection Process: Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of Forty-Niner First-Gen Support members who will consider the student's community service hours, recommendation narratives, and any additional materials that highlight their commitment to service.
The Golden Achievement Academic Excellence Award is designed to recognize First-Gen Niners who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and a sustained commitment to excellence in their studies. This prestigious award is open to graduating seniors who have consistently performed at the highest levels in their coursework, showing dedication, discipline, and intellectual curiosity across various subjects.
Application Requirements:
- Cumulative GPA
- A personal narrative detailing why academic excellence is important to you and how you've stayed committed to academics during your time at Charlotte (no more than 300 words)
- Most up-to-date resume
- A letter of support (no more than 300 words)
- This person must be someone who can speak to your academic excellence (peer, advisor, professor, etc.)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must have maintained a high GPA throughout their academic career.
- Demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence, as evidenced by their coursework, class participation, and contributions to intellectual discussions.
Selection Process: Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of Forty-Niner First-Gen Support members who will consider the student's academic record, recommendation narratives, and any additional materials that highlight their commitment to academic excellence.
Fall 2024
- Becky Wang: BS: Operation & Supply Management, GPA 4.0
Spring 2025
- Heven Siyum: BS: Biology, Minor: Biotechnology & Spanish, GPA: 3.94
- Lillie Justice: BA: English, Concentration Pedagogy, Minor: Secondary Education, GPA: 4.0
- Jordan Waugh: BS: Exercise Science, Minor: Psychology, GPA: 4.0
Fall 2025
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Fall 2024
- Jessica Franco: BA: Graphic Design, Minor: Art History, Community Service Hours 250+
Spring 2025
- Dameris Paz-Mendoza: BS in Exercise Science, Minor: Spanish, Community Service Hours: 93
Fall 2025
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Spring 2025
- Luci Flores: BS: Public Health & BA: Spanish
Fall 2025
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