Best scholarships and grants for community college?

I am considering starting at a community college before transferring to a four-year university. What scholarships or grants are available to students planning this path? Any specific ones I should know about?

There are several scholarships and grants for community college students who plan to ultimately transfer to a four-year institution. Still, please note that scholarship and grant offerings may vary depending on your specific location and the community college you attend.

1. Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Scholarships: This international honor society for two-year colleges offers various scholarships to its member students. If you're academically eligible to be a part of this society, you should consider joining.

2. The Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team: This scholarship program rewards outstanding community college students. They offer different levels of scholarships, so it's worth checking out.

3. Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: This is probably one of the most generous scholarships for community college transfer students. It awards up to $40,000 per year for two to three years to selected students.

As for grants, you'll want to investigate these options:

1. Federal Pell Grant: This grant is given based on financial need, and you can apply through FAFSA (the Free Application for Federal Student Aid). It's essentially "free money" for your education and does not need to be repaid.

2. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): This grant is also given based on financial need and does not have to be repaid. It is typically given to students already receiving Pell Grants, who still have extreme financial need.

3. State and Institutional Grants: Your state and your community college itself may also offer grants based on need, merit, or other criteria. Be sure to check these out by visiting your school's financial aid office or the official website of your state's department of higher education.

Remember, scholarships and grants are just a part of how you can fund your community college education. Work-study, part-time work, and savings can be part of your plan as well. Be sure to fill out the FAFSA on time every year, as many schools and programs use it to determine eligibility. Good luck with your studies and the transfer process!