Scholarships if your parent is unemployed?

My family is going through a tough time since my parent is currently unemployed, and college is coming up fast. Are there scholarships that consider an unemployed parent when awarding financial aid? Trying to get a head start on planning.

There are certainly several scholarships that take into consideration family financial hardship, which includes an unemployed parent. Here are a few opportunities that you might explore:

1. The Horatio Alger Association Scholarships: This program awards scholarships to students who have faced and overcome great obstacles in their lives, which could include having an unemployed parent. The scholarships are meant for high school students who have financial need and have demonstrated integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity.

2. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship: This is one of the largest scholarships available in the United States for community college transfer students who need financial assistance. If you're considering starting at a community college due to financial limitations, this could be a useful resource.

3. The Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund (SCSF): Created by Jay-Z and his mother, the SCSF supports individuals facing socio-economic hardships, including unemployment in the family. High school seniors, students with GED diplomas, and undergraduate and vocational training students are eligible to apply.

Note that these scholarships have varying deadlines and requirements, so make sure to check them out in depth.

Lastly, don’t forget to reach out to the financial aid offices of the colleges you're considering. They may have institutional scholarships or grants for students facing financial hardship. Completing the FAFSA is also crucial, as it can open the door to federal, state, and institutional aid based on your family's financial circumstances. For schools that use the CSS profile, there's a section where you can explain your situation, so that's another opportunity to display your need for aid. Don't hesitate to ask for help – there are resources out there for every situation. Good luck!