Are there scholarships that people don't usually know about?

I'm a high school junior trying to build a scholarship application list, and I'm wondering if there are any scholarships that might not be on everyone's radar. I feel like some opportunities fly under the radar because they're not as well advertised. Does anyone have any hidden gem scholarships they know of or tips on how to uncover less known ones? It would be a huge help!

Of course, lots of scholarships go unnoticed simply because they aren't as widely advertised or require a bit more effort to uncover.

Your first step should be to check with your high school's guidance counselor or college advisor if you have one, as they often have databases or lists of local scholarships, which many students overlook in favor of national ones. This could be anything from a grant from a local business to a scholarship from a community group. Remember, local scholarships usually have fewer applicants, which increases your odds of receiving them.

Another route is employment related scholarships. If your parents work for a larger company, check to see if they offer any scholarships for employees' children. Also, don't forget about your own part-time job if you have one. Many chain businesses offer scholarships to their employees.

Major-specific and career-specific scholarships are also overlooked at times. These are scholarships catered to students entering specific fields of study and typically require you demonstrate an interest or intent to pursue a career in the relevant field. For example, organizations like the American Chemical Society offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in chemistry.

Professional associations tied to the field you're interested in often have scholarships as well. If you're interested in journalism, for example, checking on scholarships from the Society of Professional Journalists could be worthwhile.

Micro-scholarships are also becoming more common, where you earn scholarship money for each of your achievements in high school. RaiseMe is a popular platform for this.

Lastly, look for scholarships that require an essay. Despite them requiring more effort, they tend to scare off applicants, meaning less competition.

Remember, when searching for scholarships, make sure to verify the source. There are plenty of scholarship scams out there, so it's essential to put time into researching the organization before applying. You should never have to pay to apply for a scholarship—that's a major red flag!

Good luck with your search! Remember, every bit helps when it comes to funding your education.