Winning local scholarships is a great way to reduce college expenses with less competition. But where do you find them, and how can you increase your chances of success? This guide breaks it all down for you.
Where to Find Local Scholarships
Start with Your School
Your high school and future college are the best places to begin your search.
High School Counselors & Financial Aid Office: They maintain lists of scholarships specifically for local students.
School Websites: Many schools have scholarship pages with up-to-date listings.
Dual Qualification: You can apply for scholarships both in your hometown and your college’s local community.
Research Past Winners at Your High School
Check commencement programs or alumni lists for past scholarships awarded to students. This is an easy way to identify local scholarships that may be available again.
Check Organizations You’re Involved In
From sports clubs to churches and volunteer groups, many organizations offer scholarships to their members. Even if they don’t, they may know of other local opportunities.
Explore Community Organizations
Local foundations often offer scholarships. Try searching through the Council on Foundations’ Community Foundation Locator for leads.
Find Local Chapters of National Organizations
Many national organizations have local branches that provide scholarships, including:
Elks Club – Some scholarships are open to the public, while others are for members.
Scouts (Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts) – Eagle Scouts often have specific scholarship opportunities.
Rotary Club – Prioritizes students involved in community service.
Lions Club – Offers local scholarships for community-minded students.
VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) – Offers scholarships, including art contests.
4-H Club – Popular in agricultural communities with youth development funding.
Check Local Businesses
Law firms, banks, and local businesses often support students through scholarships. Your college counselor will have more details.
Look for Employer-Sponsored Scholarships
Both your employer and your parents’ employers may offer tuition reimbursement or dependent scholarships. Check with HR for details.
Search Professional Organizations
Many industry groups offer career-specific scholarships, like the American Psychological Association for psychology students.
Check for Government Grants
Many local governments offer scholarships beyond federal grants like Pell Grant or TEACH Grant. Reach out to your high school or college financial aid office for local opportunities.
Search Scholarships by State
Look for state-specific scholarships to maximize your chances with a smaller applicant pool.
How to Win Local Scholarships
Show How You’ll Give Back
Local scholarships support students who plan to improve their communities. Explain how your degree will help your hometown thrive.
Highlight Community Involvement
Mention the experiences, values, and lessons you’ve gained from your community. Be specific!
List Your Community Participation
Formal roles (volunteer work, club membership, leadership positions)
Informal activities (mentoring younger students, shoveling a neighbor’s driveway, organizing local events)
Talk to Local Leaders
Seek advice from teachers, mentors, and community leaders who understand your town’s needs.
Consider In-State Tuition
Public universities offer discounted tuition for in-state students. Some states even have reciprocity agreements, like the Western Undergraduate Exchange, which reduces tuition in 16 states.
How to Stay Updated on Local Scholarships
With new scholarships opening all the time, staying informed is key. Use our free scholarship matching tool, which updates daily to find scholarships tailored to your profile.
Pros & Cons of Local Scholarships
✅ Advantages
Less Competition: Fewer applicants increase your chances of winning.
Personalized Applications: You can reference local experiences that resonate with reviewers.
❌ Disadvantages
Lower Award Amounts: Local scholarships typically offer smaller amounts than national ones.
Less Prestige: They don’t carry the same recognition as high-profile national scholarships.
Pro Tip: Apply for both local and national scholarships to maximize your funding potential.
Checklist for Winning Local Scholarships
✔ Search through your high school and community foundations
✔ Contact local alumni and past scholarship recipients
✔ Learn about your community’s history and impact
✔ Check if your parents’ employers offer scholarships
✔ Use scholarship search tools for personalized matches
FAQs
How do I find scholarships in my area?
Start with your high school counselor, community organizations, and local businesses. Also, use online scholarship search tools.
Are local scholarships better?
Local scholarships have less competition, increasing your chances. However, they often offer smaller awards than national scholarships.
Can international students apply for local scholarships?
Yes! International students can apply for scholarships in their hometown and in their college’s local community. Some scholarships require U.S. citizenship, so check eligibility before applying.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
Recycling generic essays – Tailor each application to reflect your community connection.
Ignoring small scholarships – Winning multiple smaller scholarships adds up!