You should begin your search for scholarships by first researching what is available in your local area because charity begins at home.  The first place to look is the counseling office at your high school.  Find out where the scholarship information is located.  In most cases, it will be on the website which means it will be your responsibility to check on a frequent basis.   If you are working, ask your employer if they provide scholarships or tuition reimbursement for their student workers.  Churches, your parent’s employment, union affiliation, and service clubs like the Rotary are also good places to check.  Also, research what is available in your region, state, and nation that is a good match for you. There is so much information on the internet about scholarships, so many places to look.  For some, it may be too overwhelming.  A good place to start is jlvcollegecounseling.

     To be effective at this game, you have to have a strategy and a plan.  It is important to begin your search for scholarships in your freshman year.  The same scholarships are available year after year.  In researching on the internet all you need to do is click and save scholarships you think you may be eligible for.  Furthermore, if you complete a profile on a website like Fastweb, it is important to keep your profiles updated with your current information.  Don’t forget the power of a Google search.

     Look for scholarships in the following target areas:

• Organizational membership
• Race, ethnicity
• Religious Affiliation
• Learning or physical disability
• Community Service
• Health Related
• Institutional scholarships at colleges
• Talent
• Academic Merit