By: Eric Johnson
Searching for scholarships can be tedious. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Resources like ScholarshipOwl and Scholly are here to support you, making the process feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Below are some options to help you feel confident and motivated as you seek financial aid.
Founded in 2015 as a scholarship aggregator, ScholarshipOwl has grown quickly over the last decade. By 2020, the company leveraged proprietary technology to develop an AI-powered recommendation system and other tools to improve the search process for scholarship seekers. It has also pivoted to working with scholarship organizations to promote their scholarship offerings better.
National media outlets have covered the website’s successful buildup over the last years. The website’s “About Us” page prominently features reputable national media outlets, including the Big Three: ABC, CBS, and NBC.
Overall, the website’s webpages are easy to navigate. Its aggregator capabilities help students quickly find scholarships that match their preferences, saving them time from wasted searches. Some users note that the amount of time saved on ScholarshipOwl is well worth the registration process.
Another resource for students to consider when researching additional scholarships and grant opportunities is their institution’s financial aid office. Financial aid offices often maintain a pool of scholarships from various sources to assist students with financial need. These sources include institutionally budgeted funds, endowed scholarship programs, and annually funded scholarship programs. If the institution participates in the federal government’s campus-based programs, there is a strong likelihood that you may qualify for a supplemental educational opportunity grant if you are a Pell Grant recipient.
Likewise, financial aid offices stay up to date on local and regional scholarship opportunities. Leaning into this resource can save you time during your scholarship search. At the end of the day, financial aid offices want to see you succeed in your educational journey. Do not hesitate to chat with this venerable resource.
While large-scale scholarship aggregator websites are a terrific resource for many students, there’s also an increased likelihood that you may come up empty-handed. Sometimes, it is worthwhile to expend your energy on applying for scholarships from smaller organizations, such as community foundations or Rotary clubs.
Believe it or not, many scholarships go unawarded each year due to a lack of interest or a lack of qualified applicants. To improve your chances, focus on preparing compelling applications and essays that highlight your strengths. Spending some time tailoring your application to meet each scholarship’s criteria can make a significant difference. It may also be worthwhile to seek guidance from your school’s financial aid office or mentors to strengthen your submissions.
One local resource for college-aged students in Delaware is the Delaware Student Success organization’s scholarship compendium. This website provides a comprehensive list of state scholarships for Delaware residents, organized in an easy-to-navigate manner. To maximize your chances, review each scholarship’s eligibility criteria, application deadline, and requirements. It’s well worth the time to browse this website when you are scrutinizing local scholarship options.
Two other local scholarship entities to have on your radar are the Fresh Start Foundation and the Rotary Club of Wilmington, DE. The Fresh Start Foundation awards annual scholarships to women in Delaware based on financial need, personal challenges, and academic record. Scholarships are available to women in all three counties in Delaware. Several Goldey-Beacom College women have received this scholarship over the years, which means it is a viable option to consider.
Are you a City of Wilmington resident? Do you have a strong academic background and display financial needs? If so, then check out the Rotary Club of Wilmington Scholarship. Any graduating senior and City of Wilmington resident from a Delaware high school is eligible if they are attending a post-secondary education program at a two- or four-year school, including trade and vocational schools. Other eligibility requirements include demonstrating financial need, maintaining strong academic standing, and active participation in extracurricular and community service activities.
Exploring scholarships from different states and businesses via aggregator websites and internet searches can help you find unique opportunities. Taking initiative in your research can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success.
Like ScholarshpOwl, Scholly is another scholarship aggregator platform that students rely on when searching for scholarships. Its main webpage alone returns over 10,000 scholarship opportunities. Filters on the left-hand side allow users to narrow their search results based on their preferences or needs. Once again, navigation on this website is a breeze compared to other scholarship aggregator platforms that are laggy or difficult to use for productive searches.
VA education benefits provide financial support for veterans, servicemembers, and their families to pursue education in a variety of facets: college education, job training, and certifications. There are a variety of programs available. For example, the GI Bill Programs include the following educational benefits: Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill Active Duty, and Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserve. Post 9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) is the most common education benefit for those with active-duty service after September 10, 2001. Benefits in this program include full tuition coverage, a monthly housing allowance, and a book stipend.
Additional support programs for veterans and servicemembers include Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) and the Yellow Ribbon Program. It’s important to note that some veterans can transfer their unused Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits to their spouse or immediate children. Service members who tragically die during their service may also have their benefits transferred to another individual within their family unit. If you or a family member believes that these options are available to use, then it’s wise to consult with a School Certifying Official about the following steps to redeem the educational benefits.
For those who are currently serving our country in the military, there are some educational benefits for you to take advantage of if you want to knock out your schooling now. For instance, one program to consider is the Military Tuition Assistance (TA) program. This program is the primary benefit for active duty servicemembers. The Department of Defense sets monetary caps on the amount of tuition coverage per credit hour and each fiscal year.
If you are a veteran or service member who is uncertain about any of these options, consider chatting with a School Certifying Official to learn more about these unique tuition-coverage programs.
As always, financial aid offices remain available to assist you in the journey for additional scholarships. Good luck with your scholarship hunting!
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