Local, regional, and national organizations offer scholarships to students. Visit the Community Scholarships page for specific information. 

Please remember never to pay for a scholarship application. Always read eligibility criteria, requirements, and application deadlines.

Community scholarship information is provided for informational purposes to students and HCC is not affiliated directly with those organizations.

Where to Research Scholarship Opportunities

• Local service organizations such as Ruritan, Rotary, and Lions/Lioness Lions Club
• Local businesses
• Local places of worship
• Local financial institutions
• Local governments
• Veteran's service organizations
• Large companies
• College Board
• Your employer/parent's employer
• High school guidance office
• High school and college student organizations
• Athletic organizations
• Professional associations
• Four-year college and university websites
• Community foundations
   

Recommendations for Scholarship Essays

1. Follow the scholarship directions
2. Brainstorm ideas and create an outline
3. Establish a clear theme
4. Develop a strong introduction and conclusion
5. Utilize clear transitions
6. Incorporate specific details, examples, and stories
7. Proofread carefully
8. Ask someone for feedback
9. Apply!
10. Be careful with your information. You should not have to pay or provide information such as bank or credit card numbers
     

Information for References

1. Ask for professional references - not family members
2. Ask for references at least a few weeks before the application deadline
3. Ask someone who knows you well and can explain how the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
4. Provide your reference with scholarship details such as the due date, who to address the letter to if applicable, and how and where to submit online
5. Provide any applicable information to highlight in the recommendation such as accomplishments, volunteer experience, or career interests
6. For academic scholarships, ask someone who will be able to talk about academic achievements, potential, and previous coursework
7. For service-based scholarships, ask someone who will be able to talk about your past volunteer experiences, why service is important to you, and your commitment to the issue
8. Send an email reminder if applicable with due dates and the submission process
9. If possible or applicable, ask for more references than needed in case someone does not complete the reference before the deadline
10. Follow up with your reference after hearing back about the application