Schutt, Michelle K., authorKuk, Linda, advisorFelix, Oscar, committee memberScott, Malcolm, committee memberWolgemuth, Jennifer, committee member2007-01-032007-01-032013http://hdl.handle.net/10217/80176This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of at-risk students who were funded by a private foundation scholarship but who lost that funding for a variety of reasons. Data were collected through personal interviews with seven former scholars. The themes emerging from the study included: educational aspirations, the scholarship opportunity, the college experience, and conscious reflection. Implications of this study may be applicable to private gifting foundations as they establish scholarship guidelines and student support systems, faculty and college staff while working with students from underprivileged backgrounds and attempting to understand their complex college journey. Additionally college students and their families may benefit from this study as they learn to maneuver through the complexities of college, specifically as it relates being a first generation college student.born digitaldoctoral dissertationsengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.scholarshipcollegefirst-generationhigher educationlow-incomephenomenologyText