Be aware of any scholarship resources that charges a fee! Scholarship searches should be free!
What Are Scholarships?
Scholarships are awards given to students based on various criteria, such as academic achievement, athletic ability, financial need, community service, or specific career interests. Scholarships can be offered by a variety of organizations, including:
- Colleges and Universities: Many institutions offer merit-based, need-based, or program-specific scholarships.
- Private Organizations: Nonprofits, businesses, and foundations often offer scholarships to students based on a wide variety of criteria.
- Government: Some government entities offer scholarships at the state or national level.
- Community Groups: Local community organizations, civic groups, and religious institutions may also offer scholarships to students from their communities
Types of Scholarships
Scholarships come in all shapes and sizes. Understanding the different types will help you focus your search on the opportunities that best match your student’s qualifications.
- Merit-Based Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded based on a student’s academic performance, such as GPA, standardized test scores, or achievements in specific areas (e.g., science, writing, arts). Many colleges offer merit-based scholarships as part of their admissions process.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are awarded based on the financial need of the student and their family. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is often required for these scholarships.
- Program-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are available to students pursuing specific academic programs or fields of study, such as engineering, nursing, or the arts. These scholarships are typically offered by the school or by external organizations focused on the particular field.
- Athletic Scholarships: These are awarded to student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional talent in a particular sport. Athletic scholarships are typically offered by colleges or universities, and the competition for them can be intense.
- Community Service Scholarships: Many organizations offer scholarships to students who have shown significant involvement in their communities through volunteer work, leadership roles, or service projects.
- Demographic-Specific Scholarships: Some scholarships are designated for students from specific demographic groups, such as:
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Minority students (e.g., scholarships for African American, Hispanic, Asian, Native American students)
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Women or men in underrepresented fields
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Students with disabilities
- Creative and Unusual Scholarships: These include scholarships that are based on creative entries or unusual criteria. Examples include scholarships for:
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Writing an essay or poem
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Submitting artwork, videos, or other creative works
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Competitions (e.g., for students who play video games, make crafts, or build robots)
Tips for Finding Scholarships
- Start Early: The earlier you begin searching for scholarships, the better. Many scholarship opportunities have deadlines a year before students enter college.
- Stay Organized: Keep track of all scholarship opportunities and their deadlines. Use a spreadsheet or calendar to help manage applications.
- Be Specific: Apply for scholarships that match your student's profile, interests, or career goals. Don’t waste time on general scholarships that may not align with their strengths or aspirations.
- Beware of Scams: Be cautious when searching for scholarships. Avoid websites or organizations that ask for an application fee, promise guaranteed scholarships, or seem too good to be true. Legitimate scholarships will not require a fee to apply.
- Check Eligibility Criteria Carefully: Before applying, make sure the scholarship is appropriate for your student. For example, some scholarships are specific to a certain geographic region, field of study, or high school grade level.
** www.naviance.com - Access many regional and national scholarships. Once logged in click Colleges>Scholarships & Money>Scholarship Search to access. More information on Naviance can be found here. Check out some resources beyond Naviance (student.naviance.com/wahconahreghi) that are available to you.
Other Resources:
- Community foundations: Many local foundations offer scholarships for residents of specific areas.
- Civic groups: Organizations like Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, Elks Lodges, and the Kiwanis Club often offer scholarships for high school seniors.
- Religious organizations: Churches or other religious groups may offer scholarships to students involved in their community or faith-based activities.
- Employers and Unions: Some employers offer scholarships or tuition assistance programs to employees or their children. Check with your workplace human resources department, and look for opportunities in union or professional association-sponsored programs.
How to Apply for Scholarships
The process of applying for scholarships can vary, but it generally involves the following steps:
- Review the Eligibility Requirements: Carefully read the scholarship criteria and ensure your student meets all the qualifications.
- Prepare Documents: Gather required materials, such as:
- Transcripts (academic records)
- Essays or Personal Statements: Some scholarships ask for a short essay or personal statement.
- Recommendation Letters: Many scholarships require one or more letters of recommendation from teachers, mentors, or employers.
- Proof of Eligibility: This could include proof of financial need, community service hours, or participation in specific activities.
- Complete the Application: Follow the instructions on the scholarship application carefully. Double-check for any specific requirements.
- Submit the Application: Be sure to meet the submission deadline. Late applications are often not considered.
- Follow Up: After submitting, confirm that your application was received. If you are awarded the scholarship, be sure to follow any additional instructions for accepting the award.
*Additional scholarship information will be posted in Naviance as the year progresses. Be sure to check it regularly for the most current information.*
