Yesterday, we started by looking at various locations online to find scholarships to help pay for school.  We’ll continue that process today but finding some spots outside the information super highway where you may be able to track down some free money.

• Your College – Take the time to talk to the college you’re interested in to see what kind of scholarships the school offers and what you need to do to qualify.  The vast majority of scholarships come directly from individual colleges and universities.

• Corporations – Almost all of the major corporations that you’ve heard of and whose products you use, offer scholarships.  From Coca-Cola to Microsoft to Dell, they all have scholarships available.  For them, it is an opportunity to not only advertise their brand but also to possibly attract some future employees to their company.

• Local Businesses – Realistically, you may have a better chance earning a scholarship from a local company than from a national corporation, but it is smart to check both options.  If you know what field you plan on going into, call around to local business in that industry to see if they offer any scholarships or if they would be willing to scholarship any of your education.

• Area Clubs and Groups – There are several local civic groups and organizations in your area that offer scholarships.  Groups like the Rotary Clubs and the Jaycees, all offer scholarships.  Visit your Chamber of Commerce, browse the yellow pages, and scan your local newspaper to find some of these local groups.

• Professional Associations – Just like the strategy for working with local businesses, if you know what profession you want to pursue, look into the various professional associations to see what kinds of scholarships they offer to students looking to go into that field.  Associations for journalism, engineering, psychology, and marketing are just a few of the many industry organizations that want to provide you with scholarships.

• Religious Institutions – Check not only with your own church but also with other area churches.  While some require you be a member, others just want to help support area youth so it never hurts to ask.

• Your Parents – I don’t mean ask your parents if they will offer you a scholarship!  They’ve already provided you a scholarship for most of your life by letting you eat their food and live indoors!  Rather, check with your parents’ employers or labor unions to see if they offer awards to children of their employees.  Also, ask if the clubs and organizations they belong to offer scholarships.

Now that we’ve established some places to find the scholarships, how do you actually get that money?  Oh, don’t worry young grasshopper.  We’ll show you the way…tomorrow.

YOUR 2 CENTS: What are other places you’ve found scholarships?

Related posts:

1. Where Can I Find Scholarships And Grants? (Part 1)
2. Where Can I Find Scholarships And Grants? (Part 3)
3. Where Can I Find Scholarships And Grants? (Part 4)
4. How Can I Make Sure That I’m Getting The Most Out Of My Scholarship Money?
5. Why Are Some Scholarships So Specific?