Get involved. Many high school and community clubs, organizations and groups give away scholarships to seniors who perform a certain number of hours of community service, have a financial need, fill out an application or are simply involved in a particular club. Each year, many local organizations such as Lions Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs and Rotary Clubs award top students, and other students who fill out an application, an impressive number of scholarships and grants. School clubs like the Beta Club, the Key Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, among others, also award students with scholarships for college use.
Ask your boss. Students with a job should check with their employer to see if the company offers scholarship opportunities for employees who meet certain financial or educational requirements. Also, have your parents or other family members ask their bosses if the company they work for offers scholarships to students in the family.
Check with your high school guidance counselor. He is the one who generally knows about the many local, state and national scholarships and competitions that are available to students-- many groups often send counselors opportunities first to be passed down to the students. Ask him to be on the lookout for certain types of grants and scholarships if you have a special interest. Some counselors also might have a general application that can be used for several scholarship or grant opportunities.
Check with governmental agencies and local community organizations. Certain ones may sponsor students or offer scholarship opportunities for those who apply.
Check with the college or university of your choice. Some post-secondary institutions offer free scholarships or grant to students with high grades or test scores, athletes and other "unique" students. Check with the college's financial aid office or admissions office for specific opportunities.
Search the Web. The Web is filled with opportunities for free grants and scholarships, especially governmental awards. Check out the FastWeb, CollegeBoard, FedMoney, Students, Finaid, and FastAID websites for student aid and other grant money.