How To Find Local College Scholarshipshere
Here’s one way to pay for college that you may not have thought of: local college scholarships!
Local college scholarships cover a smaller range than national scholarships and are usually far less competitive.
The only trick is that they can sometimes be difficult to find. But not for you! You’ve got My College Guide on your side!
How To Find Local College Scholarships
Staying In-State
If you’re planning to attend (or may consider attending) an in-state college or university, your tuition could be partially paid. While it may depend on your major, there are a slew of different options! For example, The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) Teacher Scholarship provides funding for Kentucky students who plan to teach. Likewise, students in Florida can benefit from the Bright Futures Program.
Around Your Community
A couple of good first stops in your local college scholarship search would be your high school guidance counselor and your local public library! Both are incredible, and often under-used, resources that can help provide you with college information that you didn’t even know existed.
Service Clubs and Groups
There are behind-the-scenes community groups that are responsible for things in your area that you may take for granted. Many of them are looking for students who are active in volunteerism and/or in their schools. Groups to consider include the Rotary, the American Legion and Boosters clubs.
Religious Affiliation
Those bake sales may have a purpose you hadn’t considered: funding your education! Your church or synagogue may also have scholarship funds available for students who are active members. To find out how to apply, browse your latest bulletin or speak with one of the organization leaders.
Employers
Depending on where your parents work, there may be a scholarship with your name on it! Well, sort of. Many companies and organizations award scholarships to employees’ college-bound kids provided that they fit the criteria. Speak with your mom and dad to see if that holds true at their workplace, and then make sure to apply! If you have an after-school job, you may want to ask your manager about these programs as well.
Finding Local Ways to Pay for College
Think of it like this: the smaller the range a scholarship covers, the better your chance of snagging it!
If a scholarship’s reach ends at the limits of your town or county, the number of students who will not only find it but will take the time to apply for it, is very small (at least compared to larger, national scholarships). So get in there, get looking, and apply!