CCHS Scholarships Guide

Information about all scholarships received by the CCHS Counseling Office will be posted in our online Scholarships Guide.  This guide includes scholarship descriptions, links to applications, and deadlines for scholarship announcements.  It also includes links to numerous scholarship databases that students may use to search for scholarships and information about state aid programs.  This document is updated regularly so please check back at least weekly for updates.

Scholarships are out there but YOU have to look for them and YOU must apply.  It's up to each student to to research scholarship programs and to apply for them.  Here are some starting points:

Suggestions for Your Scholarship Search

• Check the CCHS Scholarships Guide regularly and apply for any scholarship for which you are competitive. 
• Create profiles with free online scholarship databases.  Many of these are listed in our scholarship guide. Once you set up your profile, you can search for scholarships or the program may provide a way to match you with scholarships that fit your profile. 
• Check the admissions office and financial aid websites of the colleges to which you're applying.  If you have a certain major in mind, check the department website to see if they offer major-specific scholarship opportunities. 
• Ask your parents to check with their employers.  Some employers offer scholarship programs to children of their employees.
• Utilize free resources.  There are so many free resources out there that there really is no reason for you to pay for assistance with your scholarship search. Think twice about any service or scholarship program that charges a fee.
• Pay attention to deadlines.  If you miss an application deadline, you miss the opportunity to be considered for that scholarship program.  Don't wait until the last minute to apply either.
• Be open to scholarships in any award amount.  Most of the high dollar scholarships are very competitive.  Apply for them if you meet requirements but also be open to smaller scholarship awards.  Some scholarships are smaller and intended to help off-set the cost of books or to defray housing costs.
• Complete the FAFSA.  The FAFSA is the entry point for need-based financial aid and state aid programs including HOPE programs.  The FAFSA opens on October 1st of every year and is available at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
• If you're looking for athletic scholarships, first make sure you're familiar with and meet NCAA or NAIA requirements.  Then talk to your coaches for advice on how to proceed with scouts and recruiters.  For additional tips, visit:  www.athleticscholarships.net/how-to-get-recruited-scholarship.htm .

If you're serious about trying to earn scholarship money for college, persist!  Applying for scholarships takes time and effort but it's worth it in the end.  If you need assistance, schedule a time to meet with your counselor and/or college adviser.  You don't have to do this alone.