Complete a FAFSA application. This form is for federal financial aid. It will determine your eligibility for grants and loans. If you are not interested in the loan portion that may be offered to you, there is an option to decline. This form will qualify you for Pell grants though and needs to be completed.
Contact your intended school or university and ask them for information on scholarships. They will be able to tell you about sources for finding independent scholarships and about university-funded programs. Many schools give out scholarships for specific circumstances such as adult education (25 years and older), nursing, and education. There are usually benefactors that the scholarships are named after and only apply to that specific university.
Contact your human resources department if you are employed. Many employers offer continuing education assistance in the form of grants. For most employers, the requirement is that you are returning to school to better qualify yourself for their area of business and that you maintain a certain grade point average.
Visit your local library or conduct research on the Internet pertaining to independent scholarships that are available. At your local library, ask a librarian for help finding their section on educational financial aid and for assistance finding sources on scholarships.