How to Search for Scholarships and Grants for College

I'm overwhelmed by the amount of information out there about scholarships and grants for college. What are some effective methods or resources for conducting a scholarship search, particularly for someone applying to local or community colleges?

Navigating the world of scholarships and grants for college can indeed be daunting at first. However, having an effective system and resources to sift through the opportunities is key. Below are some steps to help you organize your scholarship and grant search:

1. Start Local: Many local organizations, such as community foundations, rotary clubs, and local businesses often offer scholarships to local students. Reach out directly to see if they have any opportunities. Your high school counselor can also be a reliable source of such information.

2. Use Scholarship Search Engines: Platforms like Appily, Fastweb, and Scholarship.com can be helpful in aggregating scholarships suited to your profile. It's important to keep your profile updated on these platforms to get the most relevant scholarships.

3. Check with your Prospective Colleges: Some grants and scholarships come directly from the colleges themselves. You should reach out to the financial aid offices of the institutions you're applying to and ask about institutional scholarships and grants. They may have some specific to students attending community college.

4. Explore Federal and State Grants: Don't forget about governmental financial aid. The FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) and state-based student aid commissions can guide you through this type of financial aid.

Finally, create a tracking system (like a spreadsheet) to keep track of deadlines, requirements, and your application status for each scholarship. This will keep your efforts organized and help ensure you don’t miss out on any opportunities. Good luck in your search!