How to find independent transfer scholarships for community college students?

I'm currently at a community college and planning to transfer to a university soon. I'm looking for independent scholarships available specifically for transfer students like me. Any advice on where to start or specific ones to keep an eye on?

There are many resources available to help you find scholarships that are tailored to community college students transferring to universities.

First, you can check the scholarships page of the university that you're interested in transferring to. Many universities offer scholarships specifically for transfer students. They may have partnerships with local community colleges to ease the financial transition from two-year to four-year programs.

Next, you could look at general scholarship search platforms, such as Appily, Fastweb, or Scholarship.com. These platforms have a vast directory of scholarships, including those for transfer students. When using these websites, make sure to create a profile and specify that you're a transfer student. This will help you find scholarships that cater to your specific needs.

Additionally, you might want to check local organizations, foundations, and nonprofits in your area. Sometimes, these groups offer scholarships for students in the local community, and they might have opportunities specifically for transfer students.

As an example, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation offers a substantial Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship for outstanding community college students seeking to transfer to a four-year institution. Worth up to $55,000 per year, this is one of the largest private scholarships in the nation available for two-year and community college transfer students.

Lastly, I recommend visiting your community college's financial aid office. They will likely have a list of scholarships that previous students have applied to or received, and they can provide guidance about the process.

Remember that each scholarship has its own set of requirements—deadlines, essays, etc., so be sure to follow each one closely. Don't get discouraged if you don't receive a scholarship that you apply for, just keep trying. Best of luck with your scholarship search!