How can current college students find grants and scholarships?

I have some friends already in college, and they're always talking about grants and scholarships. How can current college students find these to help with tuition and other expenses? Are there good resources or strategies?

There are various ways in which current college students can find grants and scholarships to help alleviate the cost of higher education. Here's an outline on how your friends might approach the process.

1. Office of Financial Aid: One of the best resources your friends have is the Office of Financial Aid at their institution. This office can provide information about college-specific grants and scholarships that might not be widely advertised elsewhere.

2. Departmental Grants and Scholarships: Each major department often has its own scholarships. Encourage your friends to check with their individual departments to find any available opportunities.

3. Fellowships and Internships: Many colleges offer fellowship and internship programs that come tied with scholarships or stipends. These are excellent ways to gain job experience while also earning money for tuition or other expenses.

4. Online Scholarship Platforms: Several resources, such as Appily, offer extensive scholarship databases to students. Users can filter by eligibility requirements, deadlines, and award amounts to find opportunities that align with their needs.

5. National and Community Organizations: Encourage your friends to research national organizations related to their fields of study. These organizations often offer scholarships to promote education in their specific field. Local community organizations, such as rotary clubs or community foundations, may also offer scholarships.

6. Employment Benefits: If your friends are working part-time, they should check with their employers. Some companies offer scholarships or tuition reimbursement programs for employees.

Overall, it's important to keep in mind that applying for scholarships and grants is a continuous process, not a one-time effort. They should dedicate some time each week to find and apply for these opportunities. Persistence is key. Good luck to your friends!