College tuition fees can be daunting, but experts say scholarships and financial aid are available to help students reduce the financial burden. High schoolers often struggle to find scholarships or have limited access to scholarship opportunities. However, with the right resources, high schoolers can easily find scholarships or grants to help them pursue a college education. Here are six crucial resources that will help your high schooler win scholarships as stated by Dennis Bonnen.
1) Scholarship Search Engines
They are an excellent resource for scholarships tailored explicitly to your high schooler’s interests, academic achievements, and background. These websites showcase not only local scholarships but also advertise national ones. With multiple filters, your high schooler can effectively narrow the search to find scholarships that align with their qualifications. Some popular scholarship search engines include FastWeb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex.
2) High School Guidance Counselors
High school guidance counselors are an excellent resource for scholarship information. They have a vast knowledge of local scholarships and often have information about scholarship opportunities at the state and national levels. They can help your high schooler identify scholarships they should apply for based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities, and community services. High school counselors can also provide recommendations and personal statements tailored to scholarship requirements.
3) Social Media
Social media platforms are not just for fun but also offer a wealth of information about scholarship opportunities. Many organizations and corporations announce their scholarships on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Encourage your high schooler to follow scholarship pages or hashtags to keep track of scholarship deadlines and other requirements.
4) Online Discussion Forums
Online discussion forums can be a valuable resource for students seeking scholarship opportunities. Forums like Reddit and College Confidential have specialized groups dedicated to discussing scholarships. Your high schooler can share their experiences and ask questions about scholarships, learn from other’s experiences, and gain insights into scholarships they might not have encountered otherwise.
5) Local Community Organizations
Local community organizations often offer scholarships for high schoolers who reside within the community. These organizations aim to support high schoolers who are committed to serving their communities or demonstrating academic excellence. Research and inquire about such organizations in your local community, and encourage your high schooler to get involved with these organizations.
6) Your High Schooler’s College or University
Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to high schoolers who intend to enroll in the institution after graduation. It is essential to research the institution your high schooler plans to attend and identify scholarship opportunities that it offers. Check the college’s website or contact their scholarship office to learn more about the available scholarships.
Educational websites and platforms
Educational websites and platforms offering them provide valuable resources and opportunities for high schoolers to win them. These platforms are specifically designed to connect students with various scholarship programs and provide comprehensive information on eligibility criteria, application processes, and deadlines.
These websites often feature a wide range of scholarships, including those based on academic merit, extracurricular involvement, leadership skills, community service, and specific areas of study. They offer search filters and tools that allow students to narrow down their options and find scholarships that align with their interests, goals, and qualifications.
Moreover, these platforms may provide additional resources such as essay writing tips, interview preparation guidance, and financial aid advice to help students maximize their chances of securing scholarships. They may also offer personalized scholarship matching services, where students can create profiles and receive notifications about relevant scholarship opportunities.
Private scholarship providers and corporation
They play a significant role in offering education to high schoolers, providing them with opportunities to fund their education. These organizations are often dedicated to supporting students’ academic pursuits and are committed to investing in their future.
These providers include foundations, nonprofits, community organizations, and philanthropic individuals who aim to empower students by offering financial assistance. They typically have specific eligibility criteria, which can range from academic achievements to community involvement or specific fields of study. They may be merit-based or need-based, and they can cover a wide range of educational expenses, including tuition, books, and living expenses.
Corporations also contribute to the scholarship landscape by offering funding opportunities to high schoolers. Many companies recognize the importance of education and the value of investing in young talent. They may provide educations targeting students interested in specific career fields, such as STEM, business, or the arts.
Corporate education often come with additional benefits, such as internships or mentorship programs, which provide students with valuable experiences and networking opportunities.
These providers and corporations contribute to expanding access to higher education by offering financial support to deserving high schoolers. Their education not only alleviate the financial burden but also recognize students’ achievements and potential. By seeking out and applying for scholarships from private providers and corporations, high schoolers can increase their chances of receiving financial assistance and pursue their educational goals with confidence.
When Should Your High Schooler Start Applying?
High schoolers should start researching and applying for scholarships as early as possible, preferably during their first or second year. This will give them plenty of time to prepare the necessary documents and applications to apply for multiple scholarship opportunities.
It is also beneficial for your high schooler to start applying for scholarships during their junior year since many scholarship applications become available around this time. It is important to note that some scholarships have earlier deadlines; thus, it is essential to stay updated on the timeline of the application process.
Conclusion
Winning scholarships requires a bit of time and effort for high school students, and the resources discussed above can reduce the stress and energy needed in searching for scholarships. Encourage your high schooler to explore multiple resources and seize all potential scholarship opportunities. With the right resources and dedication, winning scholarships can help your high schooler ease the burden of college tuition fees and provide a significant head start in their college journey.
