Types of Private Aid

Corporations

• Corporations offer scholarships to attract and retain employees, support their communities and encourage entrants into the business' field of work.
• Search for corporate scholarships by checking with your parent's employers, researching local businesses, and searching your newspaper's archives for prior-year award announcements.
• You may have a much greater chance of receiving a private corporation award because geographic, employment, and other restrictions narrow the number of candidates.
• These are often the scholarships that go unawarded for lack of applicants.

Unions

• Unions are a major source of scholarship funds. Generally you or a parent must be a member of the union to be eligible for funds.
• The AFL-CIO website offers a scholarship search service tied to millions in available funds. See www.aflcio.org.

High School or School District

• Check with your high school guidance counselor for information on locally funded scholarships for graduating students.
• These are often easier to obtain as they are not always based on merit or financial need.

Other Private Organizations

• This is an excellent source of scholarship opportunities because of a large number of organizations and relatively few applicants.
• There are thousands of scholarships available, given by organizations that further their mission by supporting the education of students.
• The AmeriCorpsProgram provides awards in return for work in community service. The work can be performed before, during, or after college. Visit www.americorps.gov.

Example of places to look are:

• Religious organizations
• YMCA
• American Legion
• Jaycees
• Boy/Girl Scouts of America
• Rotary
• Kiwanis
• Women's Groups

Important Note: Remember to notify your school's financial aid office immediately if you receive outside scholarship/grants as it may affect your financial aid package.