Finding Scholarships in Sarasota County

I'm from Sarasota County and starting my search for college scholarships. Does anyone have recommendations for local scholarships I should apply for? What's the best way to find opportunities specific to students in this area?

Yes, it's absolutely a great idea to explore local scholarships as they usually have less competition compared to the national ones. You can often find opportunities specific to Sarasota County through various sources such as local companies, non-profits, and foundations.

For instance, the Community Foundation of Sarasota County offers several scholarships for high school seniors residing in the county. Moreover, the Selby Scholarship, provided by the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, is a well-known scholarship program available to students from Sarasota and a few other neighboring counties.

In addition to these, you can also explore scholarships offered by your or your parents' employers. Many companies offer scholarships for employees' children as a part of their benefits package.

Here are some general approaches to find local scholarships:

1. High School Guidance Office: Guidance counselors are a fantastic resource. They often have information regarding local scholarships and can guide you on the application process.

2. Local Library: Many libraries have resources available to help local residents find scholarships.

3. Community Centers: Speak with leaders at community centers, religious organizations, or clubs you're involved in. They may offer scholarships or know local organizations that do.

4. Online Scholarship Search Tools: Platforms such as Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Appily allow you to filter scholarships by location to find local opportunities.

Remember to start your searches early and pay close attention to all the eligibility requirements and deadlines. Good luck with your scholarship search!