Insights and Perspectives

National Scholarship Month is the perfect time to explore scholarship opportunities available to fund education goals. Established in 1998 by Scholarship America, National Scholarship Month provides recognition to communities, organizations, and businesses in the scholarship industry and serves to encourage others to improve educational opportunities and educational achievement. With the right tools, finding scholarships can be easy and efficient. Geographic Solutions’ Virtual OneStop, also known as VOS Sapphire, and Virtual Career Center (VCC) help students and individuals find scholarships that match their academic qualifications, interests, and personal characteristics. These platforms simplify the search process, making it easier to secure the financial support an individual needs.

Here is a step-by-step guide for finding scholarships using Geographic Solutions’ software:

1. Creating a Profile

When using a Geographic Solutions-powered workforce website at the state, local, or college level, individuals can use our scholarship tool as a guest to quickly browse opportunities. For a truly personalized experience and to track your progress, create an account. By creating an account and building a profile, you can tailor your search for education and training, save favorites, and focus in on career planning criteria that might be relevant for scholarships such as field of study, demographic information, and extracurricular activities. 

2. Using the Scholarship Search Tool  

The scholarship search tool is available to all individuals using a VOS or VCC powered site. The tool allows individuals to filter scholarships based on various criteria such as:  

•    Keyword: Use specific keywords to find scholarships that match your unique interests 
•    Area of Study: Find scholarships specific to major or area of interest. 
•    Demographics: Search for scholarships aimed at specific groups.  
•    Location: Look for scholarships available in a state or region. 
•    Academic Achievement: Filter by GPA requirements or other academic criteria.

The database of scholarships is comprehensive, using both Peterson’s database and other client-secured opportunities. Peterson’s scholarship database is a resource designed to help students find financial aid for their education. It includes over 1.9 million scholarships, grants, and fellowships, from more than 4,000 providers. 

3. Review Matched Opportunities

Based on individuals' manual search, the tool will generate a list of scholarships that match the individuals' filters. The list will include details on the scholarship requirements, award amount, donor name, area of study, and more! As individuals click on scholarships, they can find more details on the application process and deadline. Saving favorites helps you stay organized with deadlines and focused on the scholarships that matter most to you. 

4. Apply for Scholarships: 

After reviewing your favorite scholarship opportunities, it is time to apply! Individuals should apply for scholarships that best fit their profiles. When applying for scholarships, it is important for individuals to follow the application guidelines and submit all required documents before the deadlines. Geographic Solutions’ software also provides additional resources such as resume-building tools, interview preparation tips, and additional career services which can aid individuals throughout the application processes. 

5. Stay Updated 

Regularly checking the tool for new scholarship opportunities and setting up alerts to stay ahead of deadlines can increase individuals’ chances of receiving scholarships to fund their education. Keeping profiles updated with new achievements or changes in interests helps the system provide more relevant matches. By staying proactive and engaged with the platform, individuals ensure that they do not miss out on any opportunities. Scholarship application processes and deadlines can vary depending on the specific scholarship. It is crucial to monitor these deadlines to avoid missing any key steps. Based on a member survey, Scholarship America developed a graph to map out the various deadlines and application processes throughout the year. The graph below illustrates the various times of the year when deadlines can occur. 

6. Follow-Up and Networking

After applying for scholarship opportunities, following up and networking with scholarship donors and other individuals who have received the same or similar scholarships can improve chances for receiving the scholarship award. Additionally, building relationships with these contacts can be beneficial for both educational and career goals.

7. Achieve Educational Goals

Finding scholarships doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By following this guide and using solutions powered by Geographic Solutions, individuals can find and apply for scholarships that align with their qualifications and interests. 

National Scholarship Month is the perfect time to take advantage of these resources and secure the financial support needed to achieve educational and career goals. Whether someone is a high school student planning for college, a college student seeking additional support, or an adult looking to further their education, there are scholarships available to help everyone succeed!