Finding Local College Scholarships for High School Seniors

Does anyone have advice on how to find local scholarships for high school seniors? I'm a junior and want to get a head start on my college funding. Where should I start looking for community-based scholarship opportunities?

First off, congratulations on thinking ahead with regards to your college expenses. It's always a great idea to start the scholarship search early.

Local scholarships are an excellent resource because they are typically less competitive than national ones—fewer students apply! There are many sources you could use to find local scholarships.

1. High School Guidance Office or College Support Center: Your school counselors can often provide you with a wealth of information on scholarships available specifically to students at your school or in your district. These scholarships can come from local businesses, community organizations, or private benefactors.

2. Local Businesses and Organizations: Many companies, community organizations, and clubs offer scholarship programs. These could include your local rotary club, religious organizations, or even your parents' employers. It's a good idea to reach out and ask about potential opportunities.

3. Local College Foundations and Community Colleges: Even if you plan to attend a 4-year university, look into scholarships offered by local community colleges and other educational institutions. Some of these scholarships could be available to any high school student within the area.

4. Community Foundations: Local foundations often provide scholarships. You can find a list of community foundations in your state by searching for your state's community foundation directory.

5. Scholarship Search Platforms: While you're specifically looking for local scholarships, don't discount scholarship search platforms. Sites like Fastweb, Chegg, and Appily also list local scholarships. Just be sure to input your location and high school to narrow down the search.

Starting your search now is a wise decision. Keep track of the scholarships you find, the application requirements, and the deadlines. Try to apply to as many as you can. Remember, every bit of funding helps! Good luck with your search.