A scholarship is money given by a college, government agency, or private agency that is a gift, often based on outstanding academic achievement or a specific talent. The money does not need to be paid back! However, a specific grade point average may need to me maintained in order to renew the scholarship next year.

Scholarships for Specific Colleges - contact that specific colleges office of financial aid and scholarship and complete an application for this specific college. Note that each schools deadline and procedure for scholarship applications may vary. Schools will not offer you a scholarship until you complete the admissions process for their school. They do not want to waste their time tying to figure scholarship offers for students who are merely window shopping for a school or scholarship offer.

Scholarships Within Specific Departments Examples: contact the music department at Butler County regarding vocal or instrumental scholarships, contact The College of Engineering at KSU regarding scholarships, contact the track coach at Cowley County Community College about track scholarships, Etc.

Scholarships That Are Sponsored by National Organizations These are open to students across the United States and therefore very competitive and difficult to obtain. Examples: Coca-Cola, Burger King, and Wal-Mart. Use internet sites such as www.fastweb.com and www.collegeboard.com/splash

Local Scholarships These scholarships are made available only to Seniors at Central High School in the spring and awarded at graduation. Examples: CNEA, Chamber of Commerce and Jabara. Mr. Runyan will notify students of local scholarship availability and deadlines.

Search from the following internet sites for more options:

www.fastweb.com
www.collegeboard.com/splash
www.kansasregents.org/financial_aid/awards.html
www.kansasmentor.org
www.collegeguidanceconsultants.com/kansas

*Be wary of scholarship scams! If a company wants you to pay them money to find you money, it is usually not legit.