How can college students in Hampton Roads access local scholarships?

I'm a high school junior planning to attend college in the Hampton Roads area. I'm wondering about local scholarships that might be available to college students there. Any tips on where to start looking?

It's terrific that you're already exploring scholarships as a way to fund your education in Hampton Roads. Many local organizations, nonprofits, and businesses in the region often offer scholarships to students, especially if they plan to stay and work in the area after graduation.

First, check if your future college has a financial aid department and ask if they can provide information on any local scholarships. They may have a list or resources available for students.

Next, consider investigating local nonprofits and community organizations. They might have scholarships in your intended area of study, or perhaps for students from a specific county or high school. You could start with local branches of national organizations, such as the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, but don't neglect smaller, regional ones as well.

Local businesses are also worth reaching out to. Companies in the area may have scholarships or grants as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Another effective way is to get involved with your community. By volunteering or participating in events, you can network with community leaders who may inform you about little-known scholarship opportunities.

Inquire at your high school's counseling office too. They may know about scholarships specifically for students from your school or local scholarships that previous students have used.

Remember to also look for scholarships that are relevant to your field of study, extracurricular involvement, or personal background. And, of course, start early and apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for to maximize your chances of receiving aid.

Lastly, you might use Appily as one of the online resources to search for scholarships. It allows you to filter scholarships by location, making your search for Hampton Roads-based scholarships a bit easier. You might find opportunities there that may not be listed elsewhere. Best of luck in your search!