Scholarships
NEVER pay to apply for a scholarship, unless you talk to Mrs. Martin first.
Looking for money to fund your college education? Now you can fill out your scholarship forms online and print them at home! Follow the links below for the scholarships you are interested in. Click on the fields and start typing the requested information.
NOTE: You cannot save the form with your typed information included. You must print the form out once you've finished filling in the fields.
You will need Adobe Reader version 9 or higher to view and fill out the forms on this page. Adobe Reader is free to download and install. Click HERE to get it!
This Year's Scholarships - 2024-25 Deadlines
Young Filmmakers Contest - May 25, 2025 (Open from 3rd grade to College)
Nicodemus Wilderness Project August 31, 2025
DDS Dental Scholarship - (You must go into dentistry) - Sept. 20, 2024
Don't Text and Drive Scholarship - Sept. 30, 2025
Our Shout it Out Scholarship - Sept. 30, 2025
The Common App https://www.commonapp.org/ The Common Application is accepted by more than 900 schools, and helps streamline the admissions process for students. Through the platform applicants can apply to multiple colleges at once, so students only have to fill out details that most schools require, including name, address and extracurricular activities, one time. Deadline is Jan. 1, 2025, but because this application process takes longer, it is best to start it ASAP.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens up Mid-December https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out
Service Academy Nomination from Congressman Ron Estes (for any service academy) - October 1, 2023
Service Academy Nomination from Senator Marshall https://www.marshall.senate.gov/services/academies/ (for any service academy) - October 1, 2024
Service Academy Nomination from Senator Jerry Moran (for any service academy) - October 4, 2024
AES Scholarship - Essay - When you look back on your life in 30 years, what would it take for you to consider your life successful? What relationships or accomplishments will be important on this journey? Oct. 8, 2025
Leaders Saves Lives Scholarship (Red Cross) ASAP
Rudd Scholarship https://www.ruddfoundation.org/college-scholarships(for Kansas residents who qualify for a Pell Grant) - This is only for Wichita State, Fort Hays State, and Emporia State! Accepting applications starting Oct. 3, 2024. Due Dec. 1, 2024
CJ Pony Parts Video Contest - October 15, 2024
YoungArts' National Arts Competition - October 15, 2024
Cooke Foundation https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/how-to-apply/Cooke College Scholarship - November 18, 2024 - (for high-achieving high school seniors with financial need) any 4 year college
Coca-Cola Scholarship October 31, 2024
A Voice of Democracy Scholarship - Oct. 31, 2024
Ivy Panda Scholarship - October 31, 2024
Money Metals Exchange Scholarship - Oct. 31, 2024
Wichita State University - Distinguished Scholarship Invitational https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/dsi.php#:~:text=The%20Distinguished%20Scholarship%20Invitational%20is,must%20be%20present%20to%20participate. (Must be admitted to WSU by Oct. 15) - Admissions Application Deadline for participation in DSI, Barton, Klose, Wallace, Koch, and McGregor Scholarship Competitions Deadline November 1, 2024.
National Space Club and Foundation - November 1, 2024
UMKC School of Medicine six-year B.A./M.D. Program - November 1, 2024
Kansas State University Scholarships https://www.k-state.edu/sfa/scholarships-aid/scholarships/future-students/ November 1, 2024 - Priority Deadline
Stephen J. Brady Stop Hunger Scholarship - November 5, 2024
Elks Most Valuable Student Competition - November 15, 2024
Hagan Scholarship (for Rural Students) December 1, 2024 (This is a NEED based scholarship. A CSHS student has won this scholarship.)
Fort Hays State University Scholarship (Priority Deadline) December 15, 2024
James Cox Students Photography Scholarship - November 15, 2024
The Cooke College Scholarship Program - https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/ November 18, 2024
Sixt Scholarship - November 30, 2024, Only the first 500 submitted applications will be accepted.
Andrew Flusche Scholarship Contest - November 30, 2024
Leaders Saves Lives Scholarship (Red Cross) ASAP
University of Kansas Scholarships December 1, 2024- You must apply and submit transcript but this deadline.
Hagan Scholarship (for Rural Students) December 1, 2024 (This is a NEED based scholarship. A CSHS student has won this scholarship.)
Washburn University Scholarship - December 18, 2024 (priority Deadline)
Newman University Scholarships - Priority Deadline for Cardinal Newman Scholarships and others- December 15, 2024
Look Twice Save a Life - December 1, 2024
Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Team Scholarship - December 1, 2024
Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law Nursing Scholarship - December 1, 2024
Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law School Law Scholarship - December 1, 2024
Lamber-Goodnow Injury Medical Scholarship - December 1, 2024
Lamber-Goodnow Injury Law PT and OT Scholarship - December 1, 2024
CT Chimney Repair - a scholarship to students who are considering a career in construction, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades December 1, 2024
Creative Masonry a scholarship to students who are considering a career in construction, plumbing, carpentry, or other skilled trades. - December 1, 2024
Horatio Alger State Scholarships - for JUNIORS and SENIORS - https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/state-scholarships/ Opens December 1, 2024- Deadline March 15, 2025
Barbara Lotze Scholarship for future Physics teachers - December 1, 2024
Rudd Scholarship (for Kansas residents who qualify for a Pell Grant) - Accepting applications Oct. 11- Dec. 2, 2024
Burger King Scholarship - Accepting applications Oct. 15-December 16, 2024 (Must be employed or a child of an employee of Burger King.)
Equitable Excellence Scholarship - Accepting applications Sept. 1-December 18, 2024
Dirk Derrick Law Firm Scholarship - December 15, 2024
Washburn University Scholarship - December 18, 2024 (priority Deadline)
"No Essay" College Scholarship - December 31, 2024
Brooks Law Group Scholarship - December 31, 2024 https://brookslawgroup.com/about-us/community/scholarship/
United States Naval Academy - December 31, 2024
United States Air Force Academy - December 31, 2024
Market Mall Eye Clinic Scholarship - December 31, 2024
BadCredit.org Wealth Wise Scholarship - December 31, 2024
Hire A Helper Scholarship - December 31, 2024
Navy ROTC Scholarship - December 31, 2024
US Naval Academy Summer Seminar for JUNIORS https://www.usna.edu/Admissions/Programs/NASS.php#fndtn-panel1-Steps-For
Applications open January 6, 2025 and close April 2025. Mrs. Martin has a lot of info on this!
Live Mas Scholarship (Taco Bell) - January 8, 2025
SuperMoney Financial Literacy - January 9, 2025
Mount Builder Spirit Scholarship at Southwestern College - January 20, 2025- This is a FULL tuition scholarship.
Aaron Joel Smith Youth Volunteer Memorial Scholarship - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TYf_6foegV4TI-g9ccBBcIJbZnBmLoDy/view?usp=drive_link January 8, 2025
Loofbourrow and Chase Scholarship - Deadline January 10, 2025 - to Mrs. Martin by 3:00 PM
THIS IS A BIG ONE FOR JUST FOR RESIDENTS OF SUMNER COUNTY
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cKp-2RiqvDcysFovNtzbz8semC4hXThJ/view?usp=drive_link
Your application for the scholarship must include:
Completed typed and signed application form
Personal letter stating goals and aims (sign)
Small photograph
Letters of recommendation from two people, not more than one from school
Current Official Transcript (Shelly will print this)
KLL Memorial Scholarship January 10, 2025 (You must have a parent that died from cancer.)
FFA Scholarships - Jan. 9, 2025 FFA https://www.ffa.org/participate/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/
(KSDE AEOP) Margaret Van Horn Scholarship. Applicant must intend to continue his/her education in an education or business-related program.
The 2025 application can be found on the KSDE AEOP website: https://www.ksde.org/AEOP-Page. - due Jan. 10, 2025
The Jackie Robinson Foundation - January 9, 2025 - (designed to address the financial needs of minority students)
Leaders Saves Lives Scholarship (Red Cross) ASAP
Umps Care Charities Charities All-Star College Scholarship -January 15. 2025- The All-Star Scholarship is open to children adopted at or after the age of 13.
LOCAL Wheatland Electric - January 13, 2025
High School Seniors
Please find our Scholarship application online at https://www.weci.net/scholarship-program.
The deadline to apply is January 13, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
Awarded scholarships may be used at any accredited university, community college or technical school.
One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a student at each high school in our service territory and one at large scholarship will be awarded. I have also attached a pdf version of the applications.
High School Juniors
Please find our Junior Leadership application online at https://www.weci.net/youth-tour-program
The deadline to apply is January 13, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.
All juniors having a parent or guardian who is a Wheatland Electric Cooperative member are eligible to participate in this competitive leadership program. The top two applicants will each receive a weeklong, all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. Two additional applicants will be selected to attend the weeklong leadership camp at Glen Eden Resort, just north of Steamboat Springs, CO.
Air Force ROTC Scholarship - January 14, 2025
Fort Hays Tech North Central - January 15, 2025 - This is a community/technical college that is located in Hays and Beloit. https://fhtechnc.edu/financial-aid-scholarships
United States Coast Guard Academy - January 15, 2025
Profile in Courage Essay Contest - January 17, 2025
Wichita Legal Professionals - for students interested in pursuing a career in the legal field of law-related business career.- PDF located in Shared Folder above. Due January 31. 2024
Alexander Hamilton Scholars - January 31, 2025 For JUNIORS
Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship - for grades 9-12 January 30, 2025
United States Military Academy - January 31, 2025
Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation Scholarship - January 31, 2025
Kansas Kiwanis Foundation https://www.kskiwanisfoundation.org/pages/scholarships/ - due Feb. 1, 2025
Pittsburg State University Scholarships February 1, 2025
Association for Women in Mathematics - February 1, 2025
Sedgwick County Electric Youth Tour and Scholarships for Sophomores and Juniors - Deadline Feb. 7, 2025
https://www.sedgwickcountyelectric.coop/youth-programs
Ag Day Essay Contest - for grades 9-12 VIDEO entry February 7, 2025
Sumner-Cowley Electric Youth Tour for Juniors - Deadline Feb. 10, 2025
https://www.sucocoop.com/2025-electric-cooperative-youth-tour-leadership-camp
Sumner-Cowley Scholarships for Seniors - Deadline Feb. 10, 2025
https://sucocoop.com/2025-senior-scholarships
BPW Scholarship: This only for CSHS Seniors 2025 application not yet released
Leaders Saves Lives Scholarship (Red Cross) ASAP
Cowley County Community College - February 15, 2025
Kansas Masonic Scholarships -https://kansasmasonic.foundation/program/scholarships/ Due February 15, 2025
Kansas Association of Directors of Plant Facilities February 15, 2024 Only children whose parent or legal guardian is actively employed in a K-12 or secondary education institution and engaged in buildings and grounds, food service or transportation position shall be eligible for these scholarships and it is the responsibility of the school to submit their best applications for competition.
Fort Hays State University Balanced Man Scholarship - February 15, 2025
Davidson Fellows Scholarship - February 23, 2025
Army ROTC Scholarship - February 24, 2025
Butler County Community College Visual Arts Interview Day This also includes Fine Arts- Art Scholarships, Box Office Scholarships, Instrumental Music Scholarships, Keyboard Scholarships, Mass Communication Scholarships, Theatre Scholarships, To be eligible and considered for the first round of scholarship awards, all submission requirements must be received by TBA
DCU for Kids Scholarship - February 28, 2025
Conway Springs Recreation -TBA
Murray Rossen Criminal Justice Scholarship https://studentscholarships.org/scholarship/25646/murray-rossen-criminal-justice-scholarship due Feb. 28, 2025
KSHSAA True Blue Scholarship https://kshsaacovered.com/news/2023/12/15/general-true-blue-kshsaa-scholarship-now-open.aspx due March 1, 2024
4-H Scholarship - https://www.kansas4-h.org/resources/awards-and-recognition/scholarships.html March 1, 2025
Lori Dechant Foundation Scholarship (seniors in South Central Kansas with a physical disability) March 1, 2025
Butler County Community College Scholarships - March 1, 2025
Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Agricultural Association Scholarships- March 1, 2025 https://www.scfbaa.org/scholarships
Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Agricultural Association Ambassador Program - March 1, 2025 For JUNIORS - The program is open to students who will be seniors in the fall, are members (or have parents who are members) in good standing of the Sedgwick County Farm Bureau Agricultural Association and are interested in agriculture. https://www.scfbaa.org/ag-ambassador
Project Yellow Light - Billboard - March 1, 2025
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation Scholarships to the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen https://mcsf.scholarshipapps.org/newapplicants.cfm
- March 2, 2025
KSHSAA True Blue Scholarship - March 3, 2025 https://www.kshsaa.org/General/ScholarshipInformation.cfm
Create-A-Greeting Card Scholarship Contest - March 3, 2025
Kansas Junior Golf Assoc. Scholarship March 10, 2025
Kansas Contractors Association (for students going into construction education programs)- March 14, 2025 https://webuildkansas.com/scholarships
LOCAL Dwayne Clum Memorial Scholarship https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K3POuKKLpcMJ1jZuJVanDnf2c9UFeG22/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108570644376678221865&rtpof=true&sd=true March 28, 2025
Driver Safety Scholarship - April 11, 2025
Mesothelioma Cancer Victims Memorial Scholarship - July 10, 2025 (How cancer has impacted your life? ANY form of cancer.)
Scholarships listed below are awaiting updates:
Collars Scholarship (P.L.A.Y.) - February 26, 2024
Kansas Farm Bureau @ Fort Hays State University - March 1, 2022
Evergy will once again be offering CRAFT SCHOLARSHIPS this year for students interested in line work (electric power and distribution) or wind energy! These scholarships are valued at $3,000 each per year and renewable for 1 additional year. The direct link is as follows: https://www.evergy.com/community/scholarship-opportunities . A separate Ellis Foundation application will also be required, and information on how to complete this application will be forthcoming after the first application has been submitted. Deadline to apply is March 1, 2022.
SEME Education Scholarship - March 1, 2022 (Pursuit of degree or certification that leads to a career in automotive. )
Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Scholarship March 1, 2022
Kansas Farm Bureau Technical School Scholarship March 1, 2022
2023 Kansas Farm Bureau Collegiate Scholarship March 1, 2023
Farmers Coop www.fcecks.com. due March 8, 2024
Conway Springs Community Theatre is proud to announce the Chrissy Solter Memorial Scholarship for students who have lettered in either drama or music. Here is the application form: TBA
Conway Springs Staff Education Scholarship - March 10, 2021 (word doc) Given to a CSHS senior.
Conway Springs Staff Education Scholarship - March 10, 2021 (pdf) Given to a CSHS senior.
Kanza Endowment https://www.kanzacoop.com/news/scholarship-created TBA
Horatio Alger Kansas Scholarship THIS IS FOR JUNIORS https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/85190-Horatio-Alger-Association
Opens Dec. 1 - closes March 15, 2023
Kansas Grain and Feed Association (KGFA) is offering 19 scholarships to graduating Kansas-based high school seniors in 2024. The deadline to submit applications is 5:00 p.m. on MARCH 15, 2024. https://www.ksgrainandfeed.org/scholarship-program/
MKC Scholarship - March 15, 2021 - MKC member-owner or a MKC/TMA employee
2023 Vetericyn Scholarship
WE WILL BE AWARDING ONE $2,500 SCHOLARSHIP TO A GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR TO HELP IN THEIR PURSUIT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE FIELD OF AGRICULTURE, INCLUDING ANIMAL HEALTH AND FOOD SCIENCE. https://vetericyn.com/scholarship/?fbclid=IwAR2hEfX4ihLMZsXRRdvE78e4N6Z7CMocxQV2obwLw_OduJjBr3RFr7HJPj4
KACRAO Scholarship - March 18, 2022 (This is a Kansas Scholarship)
Northwestern Oklahoma State University. PLC - DUE March 19, 2022
CSHS Class of 1965 (LOCAL) - DUE Monday, March 25, 2024 at 8 am. - See application above in shared documents.
BMW/SAE Engineering Scholarship https://www.sae.org/participate/scholarships/freshman/ March 21, 2022
BBB Students of Integrity https://www.bbb.org/local/0714/bbb-student-of-integrity-awards.html (They give out 12 scholarships for $2,000 each.) March 24, 2023
KCSA Scholarship - http://www.kansascrimestoppers.com/sitemenu.aspx?P=misc&D=1&ID=359 March 25, 2022
Wichita Chapter of Executive Women International - March 26, 2021
KCA (Kansas Cattleman's Association) - March 31, 2022 https://www.kansascattlemen.com/scholarships
Nitro Scholarship - March 31, 2022 (Super easy to complete)
OppU Achievers Scholarship - March 31, 2022
Folds of Honor - March 31, 2022
Optimist Memorial Scholarship - March 31, 2022 (Must be a resident of Sedgwick County)
CSHS Honor Society Scholarship - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WUms4QmhXilxegVAO6cL6Adw6pFw5kbD/view?usp=sharing
April 1, 2022
Catholic Diocese of Wichita - April 1, 2022 https://catholicdioceseofwichita.org/development/scholarship-opportunities/
WTU Scholarship - April 1, 2021 (This was given to two Conway Springs High School seniors last year. Turn applications into Mrs. Martin. Mrs. Boyles will pick them up.)
Emporia State University - April 1, 2022
Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Pro Deo and Pro Patria Scholarships - April 1, 2022
Knights of Columbus John W. McDevitt (Fourth Degree) Scholarships - April 1, 2022
'Project Yellow Light - Video and Radio - April 1, 2022
Women in Computing Scholarship - April 1, 2022
Kansas Seed Industry Assoc. Scholarship - April 1, 2022
Butler Scholarship - April 1, 2022
AFSA Scholarship - April 1, 2022
Kansas Financial Scholars Essay Scholarship Contest - April 1, 2021 - EVERYBODY completed in one of those games as a junior in Personal Finance class and as a Senior in CSI. You can ALL apply.
Haviland Broadband Scholarship - . https://support.havilandtelco.com/hc/en-us/articles/360057471931-Haviland-Broadband-2022-Scholarship April 1, 2023 See Mrs. Martin if you have difficulty opening the application.
Sumner County Farm Bureau - April 4, 2024 For seniors whose parents are members in good standing of the Sumner County Farm Bureau Association. https://docs.google.com/document/d/16qgSqEmEdR1OqTFJzSR3xKUqSOD2hCaKOaofTuPWj9k/edit
KCCEOA Scholarship https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GkebCPmGfCNyS9mtfkWCxpVJ8tsWWBkA/view?usp=drive_link due April 5, 2024
Haviland Broadband (LOCAL) : https://havilandbroadband.zendesk.com/knowledge/articles/360057471931/en-us?brand_id=360004127611&return_to=%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F360057471931 Due April 5, 2024
KTA Design Contest - April 11, 2021 - grades 8-12
Conway Springs High School Principal's Scholarship - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FZwHzUZuh-uTv8e42Sg-JP7IpRW100HP3vNGJ9kqRhg/edit
April 15, 2022
Conway Springs High School Booster Club Scholarship - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OSi13WyydpBWpOpiQgKLaEoAZdasqmYK/view?usp=sharing
-due April 15, 2023
Horatio Alger Career & Technical Scholarships https://app.goingmerry.com/scholarships/horatio-alger-career--technical-scholarships/7571 - April 15, 2022
Thompson Family Scholarship- April 15, 2024 - For a CSHS senior ONLY going into the Industrial Arts field.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VE4Ec6K7Frq1GFfwUfmN9nC8Lpigul9y/edit
American Legion Legacy Scholarship (Your parent must have been in the military on 9/11/2001) April 15, 2021
Chester Entrepreneur Scholarship -April 30, 2021
E-waste Scholarship - April 30, 2021
McCormick & Murphy Scholarship - April 30, 2021
Virginia Roth Service to the Community Scholarship https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Rdlc4Y3SQ1eox2rfVyVGvb0TpKMMRoUfBoAaK9V2XmI/edit
May 1, 2022
O’Brate Foundation Regular Scholarship - May 1, 2021
Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Freshmen Application: March 1, 2021 - May 1, 2021
Save a Life Scholarship - May 1, 2021
Kansas Ethnic Minority Scholarship May 1, 2025 (or SOONER) Scroll down
Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant May 1, 2025 (or SOONER) Scroll down
Kansas National Guard Educational Assistance May 1, 2025 (or SOONER) Scroll down
Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship May 1, 2025 (or SOONER) Scroll down
Kansas State Scholarship May 1, 2025 (or SOONER) Scroll down
Kansas Teacher Service Scholarship May 1, 2025 (or SOONER) Scroll down
Rover Scholarship - May 1, 2021
DutchCrafters Heritage Scholarship - May 1, 2021
Red Cross Leaders Save Lives - May 1, 2021
“Art of Healing” Scholarship 2021 - May 14, 2021
Aging Matters Scholarship - May 15, 2020
Theo & Alfred M. Landon Photo Contest - May 15, 2021
Nitro Scholarship - May 31, 2021 (Super easy to complete)
Triple-Impact Competitor Scholarship - May 31, 2020 (for JUNIORS)
Fleming Scholarship - June 5, 2020
Abbott and Fenner Scholarship June 12, 2021
Big Sun Athletic Scholarship June 19, 2020
Beacon Scholarship for Rural America https://carrot-top.com/beacon-scholarship June 30, 2022
Gardiner Foundation Scholarship https://www.lawyertime.com/gardiner-foundation-scholarship/#apply-scholarship July 15, 2023
Scholarship Sites:
Here are a few scholarship sites that USA Today checked out.
The Sallie Mae Fund Scholarship Search
The key to getting a scholarship is to know well in advance what scholarships are available, how to find them, how to apply for them and finally to actually complete and turn it in before the deadline.
What Exactly is a Scholarship?
Scholarships are essentially free money provided by various organizations or individual benefactors to assist worthy students in pursuing higher education. They can be quite large (although these are harder to find or qualify for) and they can be small just a few hundred dollars. Small scholarships should not be overlooked because it’s possible to qualify for several and they can add up.
Grants are also free money, but they are provided by the federal and state government as well as directly from certain schools. Grants are usually need-based and there is no requirement to repay them. Another form of federal aid is work-study, where you are provided a job earning at least minimum wage and your earnings are applied to college expenses.
Types of Scholarships
There are more scholarships out there than you can imagine. While fewer kids can qualify for the full tuition scholarships (although you can’t rule it out if your kid is an exceptional student), there are lots of smaller scholarships to be had. The most common misconception about scholarships is that only the smartest, most talented, or most athletic students need to apply. That is far from the truth. There are literally thousands of scholarships available through local community organizations, national associations, churches, ethnic organizations, private companies, and individual benefactors. Some scholarships are awarded based on achievement, while others are awarded just for applying. There could be a dozen with your name on it. You just need to know where to look and how to apply for them.
While many are merit-based awarded for academic or athletic achievement, others are more interested in the quality of your character and vision for the future. In searching for potential scholarships, you will find a seemingly unlimited number of options – some very unique. Here are some examples of what you will find:
Community service scholarships: Available to any student who actively participates in community services activities. Check with your local community organizations.
First in family scholarships: Many organizations seek to encourage students who are the first in their family to aspire to college.
Special scholarships: Students with special or creative talents or interests can find a plethora of scholarships available. There are even scholarships available for students interested in duck calling, or those who can speak “Klingon”.
Military scholarships: Dozens of organizations award scholarships to students with family members, including fathers, mothers, siblings, grandparents, who have served in the military.
Writing Scholarships: If your student has average grades but a knack for writing, there are hundreds of scholarships awarded based almost entirely on a written essay.
Searching for Scholarships
Because of the number of different scholarships that are available, and the fact that they are not all widely advertised, it’s important to be proactive in locating opportunities and applying early on. Begin your search with one of the "Scholarship Sites" (listed above) where you can complete a questionnaire and then use their service to match your child with dozens of potential scholarships. The next place to start looking is in your community. Tap into your associations with fraternal organizations, heritage organizations, employers, and community leaders. High school counselors can be a good resource for finding local scholarships as well.
Your first course of action should be to list potential benefactors starting with local community organizations, affiliations with religious or ethnic groups, employers of your family members, social organizations to which family members belong, and non-profit organizations in your area. You should also make a list of the colleges you are considering as they may also have resources. With your list, meet with your school guidance counselor to enlist their help in mapping out your search.
Your best search tool is the Internet, but don’t ignore networking and word-of-mouth. The more people who know of your determination to earn a scholarship, the more opportunity you have of finding the diamond in the rough. Be prepared to complete lots of scholarship applications.
Learn to Write Effective College Scholarship Essays
Essays are not just required by writing scholarships. Nearly all scholarship providers require an essay as part of the application process. Scholarship providers are interested to learn more about applicants through thoughtfully written essays that reveal more of their character and ability to communicate. Students who are able to write a quality essay stand a better chance of catching the attention of scholarship committees, so it is important to put the effort into writing a scholarship-worthy essay. To ensure that you submit a winning essay every time, follow these tips.
Make sure you clearly understand the writing assignment. Read the instructions several times.
Give a lot of thought to what you want to write. Do a brain-dump of your thoughts on paper and then organize them around a theme.
Create an outline of the essay, making sure it touches on all of the elements stated in the instructions.
Begin writing your essay by expanding on the key points in your outline.
Write clearly with concise and simple language.
Pay extra attention to your grammar and spelling. It is the one time when you should be shooting for perfection.
Read the instructions again and then read your essay out loud to see if it covers the essential points.
Ask someone with strong writing skills to proofread your essay.
Getting a Letter of Recommendation
Next to the essay, the most important part of your scholarship application is a letter of recommendation. Who you choose to provide you a letter of recommendation is just as important as what that person might have to say about you. Having your Uncle Ned or the person who babysat you when you were young will carry no weight, regardless of all the good things they say about you. In fact, the scholarship committee will consider the “quality” of the person recommending you in their decision.
The person recommending you should not only be very familiar with your background and qualifications, his or her own background and experience should be relevant to the scholarship for which you are applying. For example, if you community service is a part of the scholarship’s criteria, you should ask a past supervisor from the organization where you participated. In other words, be sure to choose a person who is appropriate for the scholarship you are seeking.
To help your letter writer, you should give them all of the information they need about the scholarship. You could take it a step further and provide them with a sheet of bullet points of things you've done in high school. Just be sure the bullets don’t state anything about you that they wouldn’t agree with. You will also want to have the letter printed on their letterhead.
Finally, make it really easy for them to comply by providing a large mailing envelop and postage. Throughout your interaction with them, make sure you show your appreciation and remind them of the important role they are playing in helping you pay for college.
Avoiding Scholarship Scams
Scholarship search services are a big industry for parents who are desperate to land a scholarship for their students. So naturally, the industry attracts its share of scammers and fraudsters. It is estimated that more than 350,000 students and families fall prey to these scams every year. The legitimate scholarship search firms can be very effective in widening your search, but as you begin to look into these types of services, keep your eye out for these popular scams:
Upfront Payments: Never pay an application processing fee or send any money upfront. And most definitely do not provide any bank or credit card information. It doesn’t cost money to submit a scholarship application, so if you are asked for upfront money, it is probably a scam. Do your due diligence. There are plenty of free scholarship search organizations you can work with that don’t require any fees.
Guaranteed Results: There are no guarantees when it comes to winning scholarships. If you are offered a refund if a scholarship isn’t granted, it is probably a scam. Remember the previous rule – no upfront payments.
“We do the work for you”: Yes, there is a lot of work involved in researching and applying for scholarships, so an offer to take that off your hands is tempting. It doesn’t matter though because you must still apply for scholarships yourself.
Do the Necessary Financial Planning for College Funding
It should be noted that, while scholarships are a great source of college financing, a number of scholarship dollars you receive will reduce the amount of financial aid money you can obtain. So, they should first be considered as an option if your financial situation might preclude you from receiving need-based grants, subsidized student loans, or even private student loans. If you are eligible for need-based grants, you will need to work with your school counselor or a financial aid specialist to determine if the offset would reduce your overall financial aid when both grants and scholarships are included.
Don’t Give Up
There are literally thousands of scholarships available. It takes a lot of work to find and apply for them. It also takes a lot of perseverance, because you could get turned down for all of them. But, you can’t give up trying, because it is a numbers game. In addition, your qualifications can change over the course of a year. Any change in your academic or personal circumstances could make the difference on any of the scholarships for which you have already applied. Also, new scholarships are being created all the time. To win the scholarships game, you simply need to persevere – continue to search, follow up, and reapply as warranted. Somewhere, there is a scholarship with your name on it.