Finding Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded for academic excellence, community service, athletic or artistic talent, and even writing and poetry. Whatever your special gifts, there is probably a scholarship to match. Scholarships do not have to be repaid, but you do have to apply for them. Each scholarship usually requires a separate application. It’s never too early or too late to look for scholarships.
Here are some tips to get you started.
- Check with your school guidance counselor.
Many groups send scholarship notices to high schools.
- Listen to announcements and check scholarship bulletin boards.
High schools often announce scholarships over the loudspeaker in homeroom classes or post them on career center bulletin boards.
- Read everything you receive from your college of choice.
Colleges usually include information about university scholarships with admissions applications and marketing brochures.
- Visit free scholarship search sites on the Internet.
Many sites allow you to register your ethnic, academic and interest information and receive regular updates on scholarships that might work for you.
- Go to your local library.
Many libraries have copies of the College Blue Book. This series of books lists thousands of scholarships.
- Ask your parent or guardian to check with his/her human resources department or benefits specialist.
Many companies offer scholarships to the children of current and/or former employees.
- Contact organizations you or your parents belong to.
Many organizations offer scholarships to children or members.
- Consider community or military service.
The government offers many programs for students who want to earn money for college and serve their country.
- Avoid scholarship scams.
Beware of any service that wants you to pay for a scholarship search. Most scholarships are listed online or in your local library for free.