Scholarships for college community students: Where to start?

I'm currently attending community college and am trying to find scholarships to help with my next few semesters. Are there specific scholarships that cater to community college students?

Absolutely, there are many scholarships available specifically for community college students. The good news is, these scholarships sometimes face less competition than scholarships open to all undergraduates since they target a specific group.

Many community colleges themselves offer scholarships to their students. First, I would recommend checking with your college's financial aid office or website to see what institutional scholarships they might offer. These can be based on merit, need, financial hardship, or geared towards specific demographic groups, and they may require a separate application process.

In addition to institutional scholarships, there are many external scholarships geared towards community college students that you can apply to. Here are a few examples:

1. Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program – This scholarship awards 50 Gold Scholars with $1,500, 50 Silver Scholars with $1,250, and 50 Bronze Scholars with $1,000 each.

2. Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship – This scholarship offers up to $40,000 per year to students attending community college, intending to transfer to a four-year institution.

3. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Scholarships – If you're a member of this honor society, you can apply for a variety of scholarships through them, some valuing up to $5,000.

Don't forget scholarship search platforms. Websites like Fastweb, Appily, and Scholarships.com can help you identify additional scholarships you may be eligible for. Remember to tailor your search based on your specific situation, like your field of study, extracurricular activities, career goals, and any other distinguishing factors.

Beyond that, opportunistically look for local scholarships offered by clubs, organizations, or businesses in your hometown. These may be worth less money, but every bit helps—and local scholarships often have less competition.

Also, consider looking for scholarships offered by the four-year school you plan to transfer to. Many universities offer transfer scholarships specifically for students coming from community colleges.

Remember, securing scholarships can take time and involves meeting deadlines and perhaps writing essays. Start your search early and organize your application materials diligently. Good luck!