There are thousands upon thousands of scholarships available across the country. Most are small and localized (meaning you would have to attend a specific school or live in a specific area to qualify), and the majority are relatively small awards, but they can quickly add up. Not all scholarships are based on need, some are based on academic or personal achievements. Go online and research scholarships in your field of interest, neighborhood, community, or college you plan to attend. Never pay for a list of scholarships or to apply to them; all legitimate scholarship applications are free. 

Scholarships and College Planning websites 

•    Fastweb.com –  Search for scholarships with free scholarship matching service, get student financial aid and find money to pay for college.

•    Collegeboard.com –  Step by step guide to free scholarships and grants. The Scholarship Search online tool can help you locate scholarships, internships, grants, and loans          that match your education level, talents, and background.

•    Finaid.org –  Information about the best free scholarship searches, unusual scholarships, prestigious scholarships, and fellowships to pay for college scholarships and how         to apply for them.

•    Ed.gov –  Information on college exploration, steps to college, financial aid, career, and technical colleges, and homework help.
•    Unigo.com:  Scholarship search engine.

•    Scholarshipamerica.org-  Scholarship search engine. 

•    Scholarships.com –  Conduct a free college scholarship & financial aid search, for students of all ages.

•    Sallie Mae College Planning Toolbox –  Detailed information on education savings plans, school costs, ways to pay for college, scholarships, and the entire student financial         aid process. Provides a free, easy-to-use scholarship search tool.

•    Scholarshare.com – Information on California’s 529 College Investment Plan and the Governor’s Scholarship Program.
•    College-scholarships.com – Information on college scholarships and financial aid, free college scholarship searches, colleges and universities, and college and university             admission requirements.

•    Collegescholarships.com – New scholarships are posted monthly. This free quality information includes all of the details you need to apply now, including eligibility                       requirements, deadlines, amounts, contact name, address, phone number, and website of the scholarship sponsor.

•    Maldef.org – Scholarships and financial aid for permanent legal residents and U.S. Citizens, as well as private scholarships available to all students, regardless of                               immigration status, or country of origin.

•    Hispanic Scholarship Fund-  HSF empowers students and parents with the knowledge and resources to complete higher education while providing support services and                scholarships to as many exceptional students, HSF Scholars, and Alumni as possible.

•    Immigrantsrising.org-  Scholarship and fellowships information. Undergraduate fellowships that don’t require proof of U.S citizenship or legal permanent residency.  

•    Princetonreview.com – Scholarship search provides information and direct links to the most current scholarships available on the web

•    Supercollege.com –  Free database of scholarships, grants, contests, and more sources of free money for college

•    Scholarshipamerica.org – Provides information about scholarships such as the national Dollars for Scholars Program and educational support

•    Blackstudents.com – Information on scholarships available to black students, predominantly black colleges and universities, and how to write scholarship essays

•    Petersons.com – A comprehensive, all-inclusive guide to college information including 

• College-scholarships.com-  Information on college scholarships and financial aid,  free college scholarship searches, colleges and university admission requirements  

•    Niche.com-  Find College Scholarships

• Unigo.com-  Scholarship search engine

Scholarship Scams: Watch for Red Flags 

Ten reasons why you should apply for scholarships 

1. The cost of tuition and housing is expensive, and your financial resources are limited. 

2. You have studied many long hours to get great grades. 

3. Scholarships are investments in assisting you to pay for your educational expenses. 

4.  Not all scholarships are based on need, some are based on academic or personal achievements. 

5.  Scholarships are a great way to pay for school - it is funding that you don't have to pay back! 

6.  You are unique in all that you do and it is about time that you tell someone else about it, why not in a scholarship application personal essay? 

7.  Asking for letters of recommendation allows you to connect with your teachers and counselors. 

8. Many scholarships were established for students with their interests and talents. 

9. Writing an essay about yourself may not be an easy task, but is good practice for writing cover letters, resumes, and personal statements. 

10. The number one reason to apply for a scholarship is you might get one.