July Spotlight:

Once you have completed your FAFSA and received a financial aid offer from the college(s) you applied to, you may discover that you still require additional funds to meet your educational costs. This is where scholarships come in handy, as they can help bridge the gap. We strongly advise all high school students to begin working on scholarship applications as early as possible. It’s suggested that juniors apply for 1-2 scholarships per week, while seniors should aim for 2-3 per week. Scholarships offer free financial assistance to support your higher education expenses.

We have developed a Scholarship Success Guide to assist students and parents in navigating the scholarship application process. This guide outlines the necessary steps to take to ensure that you’re applying for scholarships effectively. By following this guide, you will be able to Plan, Research, Apply, and Track scholarships, thus securing the financial assistance you require for college. Additionally, the guide includes a compilation of scholarship search websites that can help match you with awards based on your individual characteristics and interests. Furthermore, it offers links to various tribal organizations in Oklahoma that extend scholarships to their members.

It’s crucial to find the appropriate scholarships for your needs, but it can be challenging to determine where to begin. Here are a few methods to discover scholarships that will be both enjoyable and beneficial as you prepare for college.

Extracurricular Activities: If you participate in sports, music, theater, or any other extracurricular activity at your school, there are scholarships available for you. Reach out to the colleges you’re interested in and inquire about the scholarships they offer. Then, learn how to apply for these scholarships!

Hobbies: If you’re an artist, gamer, hiker, or have an interest in any other activity, there are scholarships available for those pursuits as well. Conduct a simple internet search related to your specific hobby or activity to find potential scholarships. Additionally, consider searching for brands or brand names you admire, as they may offer scholarships.

College Major: Many colleges provide scholarship funds for students in specific majors or programs. For instance, if you’re interested in Computer Science, contact the respective office at your college and inquire about any scholarships or financial aid they offer. This approach not only helps you secure additional funding, but also allows you to establish connections within that department.

Another way to begin your scholarship search is by visiting UCanGo2.org, where you can find a comprehensive scholarship database organized by deadline and category.

There is no limit to the number of scholarships for which you can apply. With dedication and perseverance, you may secure multiple awards to support your educational pursuits.

Best of luck!

The UCanGo2 Outreach Team is available to provide free presentations or Zoom webinars at your school, library or community center on college planning and the FAFSA! We can also share information about Oklahoma’s Promise, finding scholarships, and creating a StudentAid.gov account. To request a workshop: