Local Scholarships
Local scholarships are a valuable way to earn money for college. Unlike national scholarships, which attract intense competition from across the country, local scholarships typically have fewer applicants, improving your chances of winning. In addition to supplementing your financial aid, local scholarships also provide an opportunity to be recognized by your community.
Still, winning local scholarships is no small task. Trying to find scholarships, write essays, and meet deadlines can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide — to help you find scholarships and stay organized.
In this Local Scholarships guide, we’ll cover:
- Types of local scholarships
- How to apply for scholarships
- Local scholarships by state
- How to find local scholarships
- Tips for winning local scholarships, and more!
If you’re searching for local scholarships and need help, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading to learn more about how to find local scholarships and our best tips for applying.
How do you get a scholarship for college?
Scholarships can greatly reduce the financial burden of college, but how much scholarships cover varies quite a bit. You can find scholarships to cover your books and school supplies, while others cover the entire cost of your tuition and housing. In addition to ranging in size, there are also different types of scholarships available.
Generally, there are two types of scholarships: merit- and need-based. Merit scholarships, sometimes known as academic scholarships, are based primarily on your accomplishments. These scholarships do not factor in financial need, so students who normally wouldn’t qualify for financial aid can apply.
Need-based scholarships are based on your finances and typically require tax information. These scholarships can come from a wide variety of sources. There are FAFSA scholarships from the federal government, need-based financial aid scholarships from schools, and local scholarships based on need.
So, how do you get a scholarship for college? It’s important to maintain good grades, participate in extracurricular activities, and build your leadership skills. Getting involved with your community can help you find local scholarships for high school students.
Many local scholarships require essays and letters of recommendation, so it’s important to draft your essays early. Additionally, you’ll have to balance college application deadlines with scholarship deadlines, so staying organized is key. Overall, winning local scholarships comes down to keeping track of the application requirements and deadlines and ensuring your application is well-rounded.
What are local scholarships?
Local scholarships aim to support residents of a specific geographic area, meaning they come from your local community. These are different from academic scholarships from a college, or FAFSA scholarships, which are awarded to many different students from across the country.
Local scholarships can come from a variety of sources. To help you find scholarships, research the local institutions in your area to see if they have scholarship programs for high school students. They may have a list of scholarships for college online. These local scholarships can come from:
- State higher education departments
- Local school foundations or school district offices
- City governments and chambers of commerce
- Civic and service organizations
- Religious institutions, regional businesses, and unions
It’s important to note that some local scholarships based on state residency can only be used at in-state schools. In other words, you may not be able to use a local scholarship for an out-of-state college. Be sure to understand the requirements for each scholarship before you apply!
Less competition among the applicant pool is one benefit to finding local scholarships for high school students. As you conduct your scholarship search, consider how big the applicant pool might be. Try to have a variety of local scholarships and national scholarships on your list to maximize your odds.
Types of Local Scholarships
There are many different types of local scholarships. Below, we’ve listed out a few common types of scholarships you might encounter. While not all may be available in your area, this list can give you a solid sense of what to look for when trying to find scholarships.
5 Types of Local Scholarships
1. State-sponsored scholarships
Typically, a state government or education board offer these local scholarships. These are sometimes FAFSA scholarships, meaning students will need to submit the FAFSA to apply. These scholarships are typically restricted for in-state schools, but some may be used out of state. To find state-sponsored scholarships, check your state’s education department website to see if they have a list of scholarships for college. You can also find a list of scholarships for college by state here.
2. County and municipal scholarships
Many school counties and municipalities offer local scholarships for high school students, often through education foundations or civic councils. Your guidance counselor may have a list of scholarships for college from your county or municipality, or they may post local scholarships online.
3. School-specific scholarships
You may find local scholarships through your high school directly, too. Many schools offer academic scholarships, athletic scholarships, and need-based scholarships to graduating seniors. Be sure to ask your guidance counselor at the beginning of your senior year for a list of scholarships for college that your school may provide.
4. Employer/community group scholarships
Many local businesses, churches, unions, and non-profits in your area may offer local scholarships for high school students. It might be slightly harder to find scholarships coming from local businesses, as there may not be a designated place for you to check. Talk with your guidance counselor or search the local businesses in your area to see if they list any local scholarships online.
5. Demographic- or interest-based
Some local scholarships are available to students with a specific demographic background, special interest, or intended major. Check with local organizations and non-profits or academic societies to see if they offer local scholarships based on ethnicity, religion, or intended careers.
How do I apply to local scholarships?
Knowing how to find local scholarships is the first step — the second step is applying. Trying to balance schoolwork, college application deadlines, extracurricular activities, and everything else that comes with senior year can be difficult. To help you apply for scholarships, we’ve compiled a list of action steps for you to take:
How to Apply to Local Scholarships in 5 Steps
Step 1: Research
Start by meeting with your guidance counselor to see if they have a list of scholarships for college they keep for seniors. You can also check your county or state government website to help in your scholarship search. Try to do this research the summer before your senior year (or earlier) so you can make note of any local scholarships you’d like to apply for.
Step 2: Get organized
Staying organized is key when trying to find scholarships. Start a scholarship tracker or create a spreadsheet at the start of your senior year. Keep track of deadlines, scholarship requirements, and links to financial aid websites for the schools you’re applying to.
Step 3: Prepare materials
Many local scholarships for high school students require essays and letters of recommendation. Prep your essays early and be sure to tailor them to each application. Ask your teachers and mentors for letters of recommendation early as well, and let them know a little about each scholarship you’re applying for.
Step 4: Follow application instructions
With so many applications and deadlines to keep track of, it can be easy to miss crucial parts of a scholarship application. A missing signature, formatting issues, or not following the prompts can disqualify you from a scholarship. Be sure to carefully read instructions before you apply for scholarships online.
Step 5: Submit early
To avoid technical issues and last minute scrambles, try to submit your application 1-2 weeks before the deadline. With so many deadlines to keep track of, you don’t want to wait until the last minute. Applying early will make sure you have enough time to address any issues with your application.
Local Scholarships by State
Local scholarships can exist across many different geographies — statewide, regional, county, city and even school-specific. The easiest way to find local scholarships is to start at the state level. State-specific resources make it easier for students to find scholarships with residency requirements and scholarships for specific state colleges/universities.
In the next few sections, we’ll explore some local scholarships by state. While these lists are not exhaustive, they can give you a good idea of what your state may offer in terms of local scholarships.
We’ll explore local scholarships in Oregon, Utah, Texas and Florida to give you a sense of how to find local scholarships. Our scholarship lists will highlight key local scholarships for each state, and the best way to apply for scholarships online. To start, let’s take a look at some local scholarships for Oregon residents.
Oregon Scholarships
When it comes to Oregon scholarships, we’ve chosen to highlight three major local scholarships for high school students. These Oregon scholarships all have different requirements, so be sure to do your research if any align with your background or interests.
OSAC Scholarship Application
The OSAC (Office of Student Access and Completion) runs a scholarship application that allows students from Oregon to apply to multiple local scholarships (around 600) with one application. The OSAC Scholarship Application typically opens in November and closes in early March. To complete the Scholarship Application, students must prepare a personal statement (1900 characters or less) and scholarship-specific essays.
Ford Family Foundation Scholarships
The Ford Family Foundation operates the Ford Scholars program for high school students from Oregon, with 130 scholarships available. The Ford Family Foundation Scholarships do not have a GPA minimum, however, students must demonstrate high financial need. To apply, students must have a completed FAFSA, official transcripts, and responses to three essay questions. The Ford Family Scholarships can award up to $40,000 per year, and are renewable year to year.
Oregon Promise Grant
The Oregon Promise Grant is a state-sponsored scholarship that covers the tuition at any Oregon community college for qualified students. Students must apply for the Oregon Promise Grant during senior year or after completing the GED test and demonstrate financial need.
Utah Scholarships
For Utah scholarships, we’ve highlighted three different scholarship programs and organizations. Keep in mind that all these Utah scholarships have different criteria, though most of these organizations will allow you to apply for scholarships online.
Sterling Scholar Awards Program
The Sterling Scholar Awards Program is a state sponsored scholarship program that aims to recognize outstanding public high school students from Utah. Students are nominated by their high schools, and 14 finalists are selected. Students selected for the Sterling Scholar Awards Program will receive varying awards depending on their college of choice. Sterling Scholars also have access to mentorship, professional development opportunities, and a great network.
Youthlinc Utah Young Humanitarian Award
The Youthlinc Utah Young Humanitarian Award offers up to $7,500 for outstanding high school students. The Young Humanitarian Award is designed for students who have done community service work locally, directly benefiting Utah. Students must submit their resume, transcript, answer two essay questions, and provide two letters of recommendation. The application typically opens on January 1st, and closes March 1st.
Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program
The Jiffy Lube Teen Driver Scholarship Program offers a maximum award of $6,500 for graduating seniors from Utah. Students must answer the question, “What drives you?”, in 500 words or less. If selected as a finalist, students can then submit a video that expands on their essay. Students must be either enrolled in Driver’s Ed or already have their driver’s license to qualify. The application deadline is typically in the Spring, and is open to all high school students in Utah.
Local Scholarships in Texas
With a robust public school system, local scholarships in Texas help high school graduates cover the cost of higher education throughout the state. We’ve highlighted three major local scholarships in Texas for you to consider.
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarships
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Scholarship program is one of the largest scholarship providers in the United States. With over 800 individual scholarships, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo provides millions of dollars in scholarships each year. Students must be a Texas resident and plan to attend college in Texas. The FAFSA is also a requirement for the overall application process. The application opens in December and usually closes at the end of January.
Dallas Foundation Scholarships
The Dallas Foundation organizes several different scholarships, each with unique deadlines and application requirements. All scholarships require students to be Texas residents, but there are a mix of need-based scholarships and merit scholarships. Students are able to submit a Universal Application, which will indicate which scholarships students are qualified to apply for. The Universal Application is due on February 1st, but students should still review the full list of scholarships for college. Each scholarship will have their own supplemental essay questions, so students should start the application early to ensure all requirements are met.
Terry Foundation
The Terry Foundation operates a full-ride, last-dollar scholarship for Texas students attending specific colleges and universities (primarily the UT system). Students can only apply for the Terry Scholarship once they’ve been admitted to one of the affiliated universities. Students must be nominated for the scholarship and must demonstrate financial need. Terry Foundation Scholars gain a network with other winners, attend specialized events, and often get involved with the organization after graduation. Terry Scholars are selected based on their engagement with the community and academic achievements.
Local Scholarships in Florida
Finding local scholarships in Florida can help students attend one of many in-state Florida colleges and universities. We’ve highlighted three major local scholarships in Florida for you to research. Some of these academic scholarships require careful planning, such as the Bright Futures program, so it’s important to start early.
Florida Bright Futures Scholarship
As one of the most recognized scholarship programs in the country, the Florida Bright Futures Scholarship covers up to 100% of tuition and fees at any public college in Florida. To qualify, students must meet a minimum GPA requirement and complete 100 hours of community service. Students must also complete the Florida Financial Aid Application as part of the Bright Futures program. To make sure you complete all the required elements, be sure to work with your guidance counselor through the application process.
Fidelity Scholars Program
The Fidelity Scholars Program is open to students from several states, including Florida. As a last-dollar scholarship, the Fidelity Scholars Program will cover any remaining costs for their recipients after school-based financial aid is applied. In addition to the scholarship, the Fidelity Scholars Program also offers mentorship opportunities in the form of College Success Coaches, mental health resources, and networking events. To qualify for the program, students must be Pell-eligible, meaning that the scholarships are need-based. The scholarship application opens on October 1st.
Lake Michigan Credit Union – Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship
The Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship is open to residents of both Michigan and Florida and can be used at any accredited trade school, college, or university. The scholarship amount is $2,000 and students must submit an essay of up to 1500 words. 20 students are selected for the scholarship each year, based entirely on the essay submitted. Applications open in the fall, so students should work on getting their essay ready over the summer.
How to find local scholarships near you
If you’re just starting your scholarship search, it may be hard to find scholarships local to your area. If you’re wondering how to find local scholarships, we’ve compiled some tips and tricks to help you.
The best place to start is with your guidance counselor. They will often have a list of scholarships for college local to your area. They can help you find scholarships that you otherwise may not have been able to find.
With so many agencies encouraging students to apply for scholarships online, using online search engines is another way to find scholarships. Many scholarship search engines will also allow you to filter for location. For instance, websites like Scholarships.com, Going Merry, and Fastweb are good places to find scholarships by ZIP code.
You can also search for local scholarships for high school students by searching your county name + scholarships, or your city name + high school scholarships for seniors. Be sure to check local community foundations, youth organizations, or religious centers. Check your county website to see if they have a list of different organizations that may offer scholarships.
If you aren’t seeing many results online, it may be worth your time to call local businesses and organizations to see if they offer any scholarships. Even if they don’t have any, they may be able to connect you with other organizations in their network.
In short, trying to find scholarships takes time, effort, and patience. Be sure to start the process early and keep searching throughout the school year — you never know when something may pop up!
5 Tips for winning local scholarships
As you go to apply for scholarships online, it’s important to maximize your efforts and increase your chances of actually winning. Here are our top five tips for winning local scholarships for high school students:
5 Tips to Win Local Scholarships
1. Get involved locally.
The best way to learn about local scholarships is to be involved with your community. Research volunteer opportunities, different community organizations, and ask your guidance counselor for recommendations.
2. Start early and stay organized.
Don’t wait until the spring of your senior year to apply for scholarships online, as it will likely be too late. Start your scholarship search the summer before your senior year and make note of any major deadlines. Stay organized with a scholarship tracker, and make sure you have enough time to apply for scholarships each week.
3. Tell your story.
Don’t shy away from your accomplishments — this is the time to brag! Spend some time thinking through what your story is and work on drafting a strong personal statement. Be sure to think through what your story will be, and the best way to tell it.
4. Proofread and polish your application.
Be sure that your application materials are polished and proofread. You don’t want your application to be disqualified because you forgot to change the name of the scholarship agency, or didn’t fully read the essay questions. Enlist a trusted adult to help proofread and edit your essays!
5. Apply for multiple small scholarships.
Don’t limit yourself to just one or two scholarships — be sure to apply to multiple scholarships throughout the year. When it comes to local scholarships, it can be a bit of a numbers game. Increase your chances of winning by applying to many different scholarships!
Local Scholarships – Final Thoughts
Navigating the financial aid process can be tricky, but scholarships are well worth the effort. From FAFSA scholarships to merit-based awards, there’s no shortage of opportunities available. Local scholarships, in particular, are a great option. With less competition and a focus on supporting the local community, they can help bridge the gap between your financial aid package and the total cost of college.
Keep in mind that CollegeAdvisor is here to support you through every step of the college admissions process. From staying on track during application season to managing the demands of senior year, our team is here to help. Book your consultation today to get started!
This article was written by Jessica Klein. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
