Office of Student Aid : Parents of Students : Parent Newsletter

Volume 5, Issue 5--September 2007

Searching for Private Scholarships

Many individual donors and private organizations offer scholarships to students who demonstrate scholastic merit or meet specific eligibility criteria. These scholarships are known as private or outside scholarships and they are awarded through a variety of channels, often within local communities. In most cases, the agency awarding the scholarship--not Penn State--is responsible for selecting scholarship candidates and determining the value of each scholarship award.

The Internet

The Private Scholarships section of our Web site offers many options for your student to explore in his or her search for private scholarships. We maintain a listing of scholarship opportunities based on specific awarding criteria. Our list is updated regularly, so have your student check back frequently. We also have links to several free scholarship search engines specifically designed for students. The searches offer access to over 500,000 private scholarships, grants, and fellowships. Keep in mind, when considering search services, that your student should not have to pay for consideration. Always be wary of companies that guarantee results in exchange for a fee.

Networking

One of the simplest and most effective scholarship search strategies is to let people know your student is looking. Some common sources of scholarship funding include local community organizations, such as the Chamber of Commerce, civic organizations, and employers.

Research

A number of reference books on financing higher education are available at public libraries, high school guidance offices, and bookstores. Some of the more popular books are published annually by Barron's, The College Board, Kiplinger, Peterson's, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News & World Report.

The search for private scholarships can be time-consuming, but it is well worth the effort if your student ultimately receives a scholarship.