Scholarships from private organizations provide an additional source of funds for students. Private scholarships are not part of the "financial aid" system, as we generally define it, but are sponsored by a wide variety of foundations, corporations, professional organizations, clubs, civic groups, churches, and others. Amounts and application procedures vary and are generally different for each scholarship.
A scholarship search takes time and energy. Plan to review several books and print resources in addition to using computerized searches. There will be some overlap among the various resources, but some will be unique to each source. Scholarship resources generally provide contact information for each scholarship as well as eligibility criteria, amount of funding and deadlines. Most sources request that you write to them for complete information. Unless they specifically ask for an essay as part of the initial request, your first contact can be as simple as a post card which includes the name of the scholarship you are seeking and your name and mailing address.
Scholarship guides are generally indexed by various criteria, including major/degree, geographic location, ethnic/racial background, gender, religious affiliation, civic/club affiliation, sports interests and other similar categories. Use the indexes to help locate scholarships that match your individual criteria and then read the full description.
Keep in mind that the deadline refers to the date by which the completed application must be received, not the date the student requests the application. Allow sufficient time to request, receive and complete the application prior to the stated deadline. You may want to use a chart or calendar to keep track of applications requested, applications received, supplementary materials needed for each scholarship and appropriate deadlines. Start the search process as early as possible and, at the latest, by October/November of the year prior to the first fall semester in which you plan to enroll. Deadlines tend to fall between December and March/April for the following year.
Don't be shy about letting friends, family, coworkers, etc. know that you are seeking funds for college. They may have information about scholarships, special programs or other opportunities that would help you finance your education.
Avoid scholarship search services that charge fees and guarantee results. Generally, you can find all of the same sources yourself by doing your own research, without cost, at the library or guidance office or on the Internet. The "guaranteed" source may be a Stafford Loan, which virtually all students qualify for simply by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Remember to say "thank you." If you receive a scholarship, a brief note enables you to express your appreciation and may help keep you in mind if additional funds become available.