The Hidden Local Scholarships That Most Families Miss

There are so many reasons for students and families to start the scholarship process before senior year. Not only do students actually win scholarships before their senior year, but the practice and experience with applications and essays they gain from applying early make them better applicants when senior year rolls around.

Just as importantly, some scholarships require certain things of students that have to be done before senior year, even when the scholarship is only open to high school seniors.

One example of this is scholarships offered by local credit unions and community banks.

These local scholarships are a fantastic opportunity, but many students who find them in their senior year discover that they aren't eligible.

Why?

These scholarships usually require the student or their parent/guardian to have an account with the credit union or bank. Often, these organizations require that the account be open for 6 months to a year or more for the student to be eligible. So, for families who wait until senior year to discover these scholarships, there is nothing they can do to become eligible to apply.

So, if you have a younger student, check with the credit unions and community banks in your area to see if scholarships are available, and if you need to open an account now to be eligible to apply later.

And, if you have a current senior, it's still worth looking for these scholarships. Some may not have the long-term account requirement. Or, even if they do, they may allow college students to apply for their scholarship, so your current senior could open their account and apply next year.

But, like with any scholarship, being eligible to apply isn't a guarantee of winning the scholarship. The student needs to submit a high-quality application and an essay that impresses the judges. That is what I help families with in the Scholarship Navigator programs. Click here to learn more and find the Scholarship Navigator program for your student based on their grade level.