2 answers
Maddox
Student
Fruitland, NM
1
Question
Updated
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What is the best way to go about finding small scholarships for school?
I have found scholarships but I want to find more that seem to be local to my city, like student success programs that could increase my chances at getting scholarships.
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2 answers
Gurpreet Lally
CareerVillage.org TeamSr. Community Manager at CareerVillage
136
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gurpreet’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Maddox,
This is a great question! I actually won a local scholarship when I was attending high school and here are my tips:
1. If you're currently in high school, start with your guidance councelor and see if they know of any scholarships in your town, county, or region.
2. Try contacting local businesses and asking if they have any scholarship opportunities available! In my hometown, there was a random cement company who gave away multiple scholarships every year. They usually partnered with my high school to get the word out which is why its important to start with your councelor.
3. If you are already enrolled in college or know where you want to go, give the financial aid department a call and see if they know of any available opportunities for students.
This is a great question! I actually won a local scholarship when I was attending high school and here are my tips:
1. If you're currently in high school, start with your guidance councelor and see if they know of any scholarships in your town, county, or region.
2. Try contacting local businesses and asking if they have any scholarship opportunities available! In my hometown, there was a random cement company who gave away multiple scholarships every year. They usually partnered with my high school to get the word out which is why its important to start with your councelor.
3. If you are already enrolled in college or know where you want to go, give the financial aid department a call and see if they know of any available opportunities for students.
Kristy-Lyn McCoy, PMP®
People Intelligence & Analytics
16
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Kristy-Lyn’s Answer
Financial aid is a common concern for many students, and it's crucial to tackle it wisely. Having financed my own education, I understand its importance.
Start by exploring free financial aid options like scholarships and grants before considering loans. Many graduates struggle with debt, so borrow only what you truly need.
1. File Your FAFSA: This is the first step in accessing federal aid. If you're unfamiliar with it, check out helpful FAQs online.
2. Consult Local Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or local community college for scholarship leads. Many scholarships are easy to apply for and can cover significant costs like books.
3. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites can help you find scholarships that match your interests and skills. Check out resources like BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Fastweb, and ScholarshipOwl.
4. Assess Your Financial Needs: Consider your living situation, potential work opportunities, and expenses. Remember, where you graduate from is less important than the education and connections you gain.
5. Consider Loans Carefully: If you need loans, explore federal options first, as they often have better terms. Private loans are available too, but interest can add up quickly. To save money, consider starting at a community college or online for general courses.
In summary:
- Seek local scholarships and grants.
- Use nearby resources for additional scholarship information.
- Apply broadly using search engines to increase your chances.
- Consider loans only after exhausting other options.
Good luck with your financial aid journey!
Start by exploring free financial aid options like scholarships and grants before considering loans. Many graduates struggle with debt, so borrow only what you truly need.
1. File Your FAFSA: This is the first step in accessing federal aid. If you're unfamiliar with it, check out helpful FAQs online.
2. Consult Local Resources: Talk to your guidance counselor or local community college for scholarship leads. Many scholarships are easy to apply for and can cover significant costs like books.
3. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites can help you find scholarships that match your interests and skills. Check out resources like BigFuture, CareerOneStop, Fastweb, and ScholarshipOwl.
4. Assess Your Financial Needs: Consider your living situation, potential work opportunities, and expenses. Remember, where you graduate from is less important than the education and connections you gain.
5. Consider Loans Carefully: If you need loans, explore federal options first, as they often have better terms. Private loans are available too, but interest can add up quickly. To save money, consider starting at a community college or online for general courses.
In summary:
- Seek local scholarships and grants.
- Use nearby resources for additional scholarship information.
- Apply broadly using search engines to increase your chances.
- Consider loans only after exhausting other options.
Good luck with your financial aid journey!