appropriate funding for your education requires effort and understanding of how the system works. Be patient and persistent in your search. You will need to be proactive to discover many scholarship opportunities. Talk to everyone you know. Call colleges and departments. Check with business owners. Contact clubs and organizations. Search online resources. Typically, scholarships will not seek you out and ask you to apply. You will need to seek diligently to find the best scholarships to apply for (see D&C 58:27–29). There are many valuable resources that will assist you in your search.
Employment Resource Services and Self-Reliance Services
- With centers throughout the world, Employment Resource Services and Self-Reliance Services are available to assist in your scholarship search. Employment center and Self-Reliance center staff can help you identify and plan for education goals, learn about financial aid programs, and find resources that may offer scholarships for your needs and qualifications.
- LDSJobs.org is not only a tool for finding employment, but a resource that allows you to search for educational scholarships and financial aid available on the Internet. For more information on how to use LDSJobs.org, see the article “Finding Financial Aid on LDSJobs.org.”
Online Resources
The Internet is an unlimited resource for finding scholarships; however, not every source you come across will be useful or reliable. Seek out the best online websites and search engines to help find scholarships and financial aid. Here are a few suggestions for places to start:
- There are many scholarship sites that offer premier searching tools for finding financial aid for education (Fastweb.com, Scholarshipexperts.com, and more). Using their search engines, you can look for scholarships that fit your specific needs and qualifications. Most of these websites offer their services free of charge, although they usually require you to register by providing an email address to create a username and password.
- Google Search may be another useful tool for finding scholarships. However, because of the broad results that it can return, try to make your search as specific as possible. For example: “scholarships for a second bachelor’s degree” or “scholarships for Lithuanian students studying economics in the USA.” Like these examples, specify your particular needs and interests when you search.
Government and Community
- The educational branch of local government often provides scholarships for eligible applicants in the community. Identify the governing body of education in your local area to see what scholarships you may qualify for. Whether it is the board of education in your state or the ministry of education in your country, contact them directly or explore their website to seek what financial help they offer.
- Some military organizations may sponsor scholarships for those who commit to service within one of their branches. Awards can include tuition and a stipend to pay for other school expenses. They may also offer scholarships for veterans. Contact the military in your area to find out about available opportunities.
- Talk to members of local clubs, associations, or service organizations that may offer scholarships as part of their mission. Local businesses may also provide awards to assist students. Often, the local newspaper will print information about such awards. Search the word “scholarship” or “award” in the archives of your local newspaper for more information.
High School
If you are still in high school, talk to your counselors about college scholarships and financial aid to help fund your education. Check clubs, organizations, and the school website for recent postings. In addition, ask your guidance counselor to inquire about foundations that award scholarships to students in your school district.
Colleges and Universities
Colleges and universities often award scholarships based on academics, test scores, and athletics, as well as scholarships for those pursuing a specific major, or field of study. Contact the financial aid office directly or visit the website of colleges and universities to learn of available awards and their requirements.
Often, specific departments may have additional scholarships to award for students who are pursuing a major in that department. Contact departments to learn more about these awards. In addition, ask about private donors who have provided funds for students pursuing a specific area of study at that university.
Books and Directories
Possible references include the current issues of The Ultimate Scholarship Book, Scholarship Handbook, How to Go to College Almost for Free, or other references unique to your area. You can find them all at www.amazon.com.
Businesses and Organizations
Many large corporations (such as Walmart, Intel, and others) recognize student achievements by awarding scholarships. Find out about available awards by visiting the company or their website. Additionally, private scholarships are occasionally offered by local businesses and organizations. Use an online search engine or the organization’s website to find awards and scholarships.
Talk to Others
Friends and family can also be a source of scholarship information. Your relatives may belong to or know of organizations that grant scholarships. You should also contact older students who have been successful in obtaining scholarships to learn about resources.
See the articles “Scholarship Master Application,” “Letters of Recommendation,” and “How to Strengthen a Scholarship Essay” for more information about applying for scholarships.
For more information about scholarships, see the following:
Finding Financial Aid on LDSjobs.org