Search for Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students based on academic performance, financial need, religious affiliation, minority status, heritage, community affiliations, or other criteria established by the organization providing funds. Because they do not have to be repaid, you should search for scholarships first.

Scholarships are offered by many organizations including individuals, businesses, non-profits, schools, and governments. A few examples include:

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  Your high school or prospective college may award scholarships based on academic performance.
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  Ethnic organizations often provide scholarships to outstanding students sharing their heritage.
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  Employers offer scholarships to their employees and to children of their employees.
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  Churches, synagogues, temples, and religious groups offer scholarships for members or students planning a career in the clergy.
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  Trade and research organizations sponsor scholarships to attract students to a field of study facing a worker shortage or to encourage non-traditional or minority students to work toward a specific degree.

When searching for scholarships, be sure to contact local groups, clubs, businesses, churches, and organizations. Usually, these types of scholarships are not widely publicized—fewer applicants equals higher odds of winning. Don’t forget to ask your high school counselor, access advisor, librarian, and college financial aid office for direction as these people work with scholarship providers and those seeking them every day.

As you seek local scholarship opportunities, search our free online scholarship search database of information on 2.4 million national scholarships. (See Helpful Links above.) The search engine will identify potential scholarships for you.

When you identify scholarships that you may qualify to receive, note the application due dates in your planner and begin the applications. Many scholarship applications require an essay and letters of recommendation. Read the requirements carefully and tailor both your essay and the recommendation letters to the scholarship provider.

After you are notified of your eligibility to receive a scholarship, forward copies of all the documentation you receive to the college you are attending. Again, make note of any deadlines to provide additional information to the scholarship provider.

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