Scholarships
Free money you never have to pay back
Scholarships are one of the most underused resources available — especially local ones. Billions of dollars go unclaimed every year because students don't apply. This guide shows you where to find them, how to write winning essays, and how to maximize your chances.
Practical next steps
Start searching during junior year
Most scholarship deadlines fall January–April of senior year. Starting junior year gives you time to find them and prepare strong essays without rushing.
Ask your school counselor about local scholarships first
Local scholarships have far less competition than national ones. Your counselor has a list specifically for Philadelphia students.
Use free scholarship databases
Create free accounts on Fastweb.com and Scholarships.com. Never pay to search — real scholarships are always free to apply for.
Look for identity-based scholarships
Many organizations offer scholarships for Black, Latino, Asian-American, LGBTQ+, first-generation, and immigrant students.
Write a genuine scholarship essay
Tell a true story about a challenge you faced, something you've learned, or what you want to accomplish. Committees can always tell when an essay is authentic.
Reuse and adapt essays strategically
Write 3–4 core essays, then adapt slightly for each application. This saves time while keeping each essay tailored.
Apply to smaller awards too — they add up
$500 scholarships seem small, but 10 of them is $5,000. Competition is lowest for local and small-dollar awards.
Keep applying in college
Many scholarships are for sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Check your college's financial aid office and departments.
Resource starting points
- Fastweb (Free)
Largest free scholarship search database.
- Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino students.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Philadelphia Futures
Scholarship matching, advising, and application support for low-income Philadelphia students.
- The Philadelphia Foundation
Philadelphia-specific scholarships and grants for residents with demonstrated need.
- Philadelphia Education Fund
Scholarships and college access programs specifically for Philadelphia public school students.
- UNCF Philadelphia
Scholarships and support for Black college students in the Philadelphia region.
Helpful things to know
Local = less competition
A scholarship for 'Philadelphia residents' has hundreds fewer applicants than a national one.
Track everything
Spreadsheet: scholarship name, amount, deadline, essay prompt, status. Missing a deadline is heartbreaking.
Common questions
How many should I apply for?
As many as you're eligible for. A realistic goal is 15–30 applications. Students who apply broadly typically win 1–3 scholarships.
What if I don't have a 4.0 GPA?
Many scholarships are based on need, community service, career goals, or identity — not GPA.