Brainstorm the kinds of awards would be best for you, before beginning your search. Determine if you would like to limit your search to general merit-based awards, scholarships only for students pursuing a specific major or minor, demonstrated leadership-based awards, or awards for students from specific backgrounds. You will find scholarship or grant awards open to most anyone, but they may be more competitive.
Find scholarship and grant search engine websites, like FastWeb and Scholarships.com. Check with your school's financial aid office to determine if there are any grant or scholarship opportunities available for you. Inquire within local community agencies about scholarship opportunities, and check the corporate pages of popular companies like Walmart and McDonald's to determine if scholarship awards are available and if you qualify for them.
Search these scholarship sites regularly. Sign up for email updates that include a list of scholarships that match your preferences regularly (daily or weekly). Check your school's financial aid department regularly for information on new scholarship awards. Be persistent and regular in your search.
Make a list or a spreadsheet of prospective awards that you plan on applying for. Use your spreadsheet to keep track of scholarship deadlines and application requirements.