Things You'll Need:
- The willingness to do some research
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Step 1
Do some pavement or Internet pounding to find some general sources for scholarship funds. Go to websites such as finaid.org to get an introduction to scholarships, and then go to other search engines such as fastweb.com and scholarships.com for a listing of what's available. Also try places like your local library and the guidance counselor's office at your school for further possibilities.
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Step 2
Don't get roped into paying a fee for a search engine, because the legitimate scholarship sites do not do this. Any site that charges a fee is probably a scam, according to finaid.org.
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Step 3
It may make more sense to try and find a scholarship that is tailored to your child's strengths and talents as opposed to a general grant or loan. There are scholarships that are attached to grades, community service or other similar activities that may fit your child's aptitude.
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Step 4
Other good places to look are local businesses and civic groups such as the Lions Club or 4-H club. These organizations may offer grants or scholarships that reward civic or corporate service, as well as paid internships or summer jobs. And if the school that your child attends is who makes the choice about who gets the aid, by all means have the kid make some noise about it to the powers that be. The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
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Step 5
For crying out loud, get your applications and such in by the prescribed deadlines. Turning in an application with mistakes is also unthinkable. Be thorough, be persistent and be patient. There are millions of dollars in financial aid out there for those who qualify.
