Many organizations look for specific traits when choosing which candidates to award scholarships. These traits may include participation in extracurricular activities, volunteering and work experience. Having good grades and high SAT or ACT scores is usually beneficial, as well. It can also help to develop a mentoring relationship with a teacher, employer, or other trusted adult who can then serve as a reference for your scholarships, if needed.
Your high school career counselor is probably aware of a number of local scholarships. The counselor can help you choose which best-suit your educational goals. The counselor may also help you to focus on the aspects of your background that will appeal to the scholarship awards committee.
Your community library may have information on its bulletin board about local organizations that offer scholarships. You can also ask a librarian for help you find local programs. Your library also can help as a source of news on local businesses or other organizations that may offer scholarships.
Some employers offer scholarships for children of their employees. Ask your parents to check with their employers’ human resources departments to see if the companies offer any programs. Some companies prefer to award scholarships to students who are interested in a field of study that relates to company business.
If your parents or grandparents are members of any organizations such as Rotary International or the Good Sam Club, ask them to check with the organization’s leadership regarding scholarship programs. Your parents or grandparents may also be able to find the traits the scholarship committee looks for in candidates when making the awards.
Although unusual scholarships aren’t necessarily strictly local, you may be able to obtain education funds based on a personal or family characteristic. Some examples of unusual scholarships are those for students with a particular last name, students who are tall, or students who have an interest in parapsychology or duck calling.
Give yourself plenty of time to work on the application well before it is due. You will want to fill it out accurately and neatly, and to submit it before the deadline. Some applications may request that you include references from teachers or other unrelated adults. Request these early so that your reference has plenty of time to write a letter for you.