Finding scholarships and grants for junior college students?

I'm planning on attending a junior college before transferring to a four-year university. Are there any scholarships or grants specifically for junior college students that I should consider?

Absolutely, there are a range of scholarships and grants for junior college students.

Firstly, you should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which will determine your eligibility for federal grants. By completing the FAFSA, you'll be considered for aid like the Federal Pell Grant, which is designed for undergraduate students with financial need, and available at two-year institutions too.

Additionally, many states have grant programs that are available to community college students. For example, the California College Promise Grant provides book and supply stipends to qualifying California Community College students.

Scholarships specifically for community college students are also available. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation's Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, for example, is specifically dedicated to students at community colleges or two-year institutions who intend to transfer to four-year schools. This scholarship is quite competitive but offers high rewards.

Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, offers scholarship opportunities to its members as well, so if you maintain a high GPA in your community college, this could be a good opportunity.

Lastly, your junior college's financial aid office will likely have information about scholarships or grants specifically for students at your school. Local businesses, service organizations, and individuals often sponsor scholarships for students from the local area, and these might not be widely advertised outside your school.

Keep in mind that any scholarship you're interested in applying to should be free to apply, and you should never pay money to a company that promises to find scholarships for you — these are often scams. Librarians, school counselors, and your teachers can also be good resources for finding reputable scholarships.

Remember that applying to scholarships and grants can be labor-intensive, and it's important to be mindful of deadlines. Get started early and be persistent in your search. Best of luck!