Learn More About Scholarships
Scholarships are monetary gifts awarded on the basis of academic
performance or other exemplary achievements. Some scholarships are
based on financial need, while others are not. Scholarships may
come from a community or professional group, a business, labor
union, religious organization, or national foundation. College
financial aid offices are a source of information on all
scholarships.
Community Organization-Sponsored Scholarships
Many civic and community groups (e.g., Rotary Club, Elks,
American Legion, 4H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Chamber of Commerce,
PTA, etc.) offer scholarships and other financial assistance.
Contact the various patriotic, civic, fraternal, religious, ethnic,
social, and professional organizations in your community for more
information.
Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Many private businesses and corporations offer scholarships or
loans to employees' children or to students who live in the
community where the company is located. Others offer aid to
students majoring in fields related to the company's activities or
interests. Personnel offices at some companies have application
information and forms available. Check with online sources and CFWV
Find a
Scholarship, as well as your local library for more
information.
Professional, Career, and Trade Association Sponsored
Scholarships
Libraries have directories of scholarships and loans offered by
professional, career, and trade associations in your proposed
career or field of study. Also, ask your art or shop instructor,
coach or bandmaster about schools and colleges looking for students
with your talents. Scholarship leads also may be listed in trade
magazines related to your special interests and skills.
National Merit Scholarships
The independent, non-profit Merit Scholarship Corporation awards
about 5,000 scholarships each year. Students compete on the basis
of test scores, academic and extracurricular achievements, and
school recommendations. Taking the Preliminary Scholastic
Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
(PSAT/NMSQT) in the fall of your junior year in high school will
enter you in the competition.
Scholarship Search Assistance
fastweb 
is a leading free scholarship search provider with
over 1.5 million scholarships.