Your own community can be a great source of college scholarship money. Local businesses, organizations and private donors may have scholarships reserved, especially for students in their own communities. Your high school guidance counselor will likely have a list of local scholarship opportunities. You can also check with local government offices, community centers and foundations in your area.
Just about every college you apply to will have its own scholarships. Some will focus on academics while others will be for athletes or students in specific disciplines. The school's financial aid office and financial aid website will be able to provide you with information about their specific scholarships.
Check into scholarship opportunities at your church or any clubs you're a member of. You may be able to find scholarships based on your religious identity, ethnicity, sexual orientation or interests. Check into the affiliations of your parents, grandparents and siblings as well in case the scholarships are eligible to family members. If you're in the military, contact your superior or the United States Department of Veteran's Affairs for scholarship information.
Some organizations also offer scholarships for people with medical conditions such autism, learning disabilities, blindness or diabetes. Others exist for people who write the best essay, make the best video, have red hair or enjoy a particular author. The best way to pin down these searches is to use a free website, such as the U.S. Department of Labor's Scholarship Search. Your local library likely has books and website recommendations. Avoid scams by using free search sites from government or educational sources, and by never giving out your personal information. Legitimate scholarships never ask you to pay money.