• Talk with a Guidance Counselor

Even though you may be a college student, a local guidance office may be helpful in securing information on community loan and scholarship programs. Some high schools even have endowment funds which are only available to their alumni.
 

• Let people know you are looking for scholarships

Many local organizations such as the Rotary, Kiwanis and other groups, provide funds for local students. Clubs, unions, fraternal organizations, professional associations, church memberships and even college alumni offices may all be sources of private scholarship or loan funding.
 

• Check with your employer (or your parents' employer)

Many businesses have scholarships for dependents of their employees. Check to see if your own employer is willing to assist you with your college costs, especially if it means you will be upgrading your skills.
 

• Explore benefits through the Armed Forces

If you are a member of the Armed Forces, or a dependent or spouse of one, you may be eligible for benefits through programs offered by the specific branch of the service from which your are affiliated. Talk with the Veterans Affairs Office on campus, the campus ROTC office, and with Armed Forces recruitment officers.
 

• Be cautious about paying for scholarship searches

Research any scholarship search organization carefully and ask lots of questions about what results you can expect and how much their services will really cost you. Almost every State Higher Education Authority has resources to help students search for scholarships without charging a fee. Contact your state's Department of Education for details.

A free scholarship search is available here.
 

• Use all available resources

Many libraries have resource books listing national foundations and private organizations offering scholarships. You may have to send out a lot of applications, but hang in there!