After the stress of the SATs passes and you set your sights on the college or university of your choice, it's time to figure out the best way to pay for your higher education. There are hundreds of scholarships and grants available to high school students who are hoping to go to college. Based on academics, community service or financial need, there are awards available for a broad range of talents and interests.
Community Service
There are a number of scholarships available to students who have taken time to contribute to their communities through service and activism. Whether applicants are starting organizations to alleviate poverty, helping the homeless, or being active in established groups, there are a number of college scholarships that reward philanthropy and selflessness. The Discover Card Tribute Award rewards the community involvement of high school juniors with cumulative GPAs of 2.75 or above. There are up to 10 scholarships available worth $30,000 that can be applied to the students' college pursuits. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, offered to students in grades 5 through 12, is another choice for students who are active in charitable work. These scholarships are for $1,000 each and can include a trip to Washington, D.C.
Merit-Based
Merit-based awards are a common scholarship option. There are hundreds of scholarships available to reward the hard work of students who excel academically. Some are provided through the particular college or university you plan to attend, while others are from third party organizations or groups. To find institutional awards, it is best to contact the university's financial aid department and inquire about available scholarships. Merit-based scholarships are awarded by organizations and companies such as Toyota, General Motors and Coca-Cola, which support college students across the nation with their own scholarship competitions.
Need-Based
Need-based scholarships are an option for students looking to fund their educations. While many of these scholarships are coupled with other criteria, such as merit or community service, need-based awards are a great way to ensure that college is not cost-prohibitive for deserving, talented students. These scholarships are available both through individual institutions and through other organizations. Federal grant and assistance programs are useful for tracking down need-based aid. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to tap into these resources.
Minority Scholarships
There are a number of organizations and awards specifically set aside for different racial and ethnic groups. One approach is to contact local and national minority organizations, such as the NAACP or the Hispanic College Fund, another is to find general scholarship programs, such as the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Geared toward all racial and ethnic minorities, this scholarship program funded by Bill and Melinda Gates is a useful resource for high-achieving students who need scholarship money.
Other
There is a scholarship for virtually every talent, affiliation or other characteristic you can think of. It typically just takes a little investigation and poking around. Search engines such as Fastweb and Scholarships.com allow users to search through hundreds of scholarships and grants, finding the awards that most closely relate to the individual student's strengths.
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