How can first-time college students find scholarships?

I'm a high school junior and will be the first in my family to go to college. What resources or scholarships are out there for first-time college students like me?

There are quite a few resources and scholarships specifically for first-generation college students, so you're in a good place to start. I would advise you to adopt a multi-pronged approach to finding scholarships.

To begin, you should incorporate local scholarships into your search. This could include organizations within your community, local businesses, or even your high school. Counselors and teachers can be excellent sources of information about these. For instance, many Rotary, Kiwanis, and Lions clubs offer scholarships to local high school students.

Next, you might want to consider corporate scholarships. Corporations like Coca-Cola, Dell, McDonald's, and many others provide significant scholarships to high school seniors.

Additionally, you could consider scholarships that target first-generation college students. Some examples include the "I'm First" Scholarship, which awards first-generation college students, and the Sallie Mae Fund First in My Family Scholarship Program, which awards scholarships to Hispanic-American students who are the first in their families to attend college.

You should also consider using scholarship search engines to find opportunities. You might want to begin your search with platforms like Appily. On Appily, you can create a free profile and get matched with scholarships that fit your academic and personal background.

Lastly, once you've identified the universities you're interested in, it's advisable to dig into their individual financial aid office websites. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships targeted to first-generation students. These could range from full-rides to partial awards, depending on the specific college.

The process may seem overwhelming, but try breaking it down into manageable tasks and remember to apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for. You never know which one might end up providing a significant contribution to your education!