40 hot scholarships: scholarships are one of the best types of college aid because they provide free money—you don't have to pay them back

Careers and Colleges, Nov-Dec, 2004 by Lori Grandstaff

THE TRICK IS FINDING ONES THAT MATCH YOUR QUALIFICATIONS AND THEN GETTING ORGANIZED AND PUTTING IN THE TIME TO FILL OUT THE APPLICATIONS AND WRITE THE ESSAYS THAT MANY REQUIRE.

TO GET YOU STARTED ON THE HUNT, OUR EDITORS ASKED SCHOLARSHIPEXPERTS.COM TO PUT TOGETHER A LIST OF 40 DIVERSE AWARDS THAT ARE NORTH LOOKING INTO. BUT YOU SHOULDN'T STOP HERE. LOOK INTO ALL THE ONLINE SOURCES THAT ARE AVAILABLE AND ASK YOUR SCHOOL GUIDANCE OFFICE, COMMUNITY GROUPS, AND PARENTS IF THEY KNOW OF OTHER FUNDING PROGRAMS. AND, IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN A SPECIFIC CAREER, CONTACT ANY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION THAT MAY BE RELATED TO THAT CAREER. COLLEGES THEMSELVES ALSO OFFER MANY SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS DEPENDING ON YOUR MAJOR.

ACS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

SCOOP: African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or American-Indian students who plan to major in and pursue a career in chemical sciences or chemical technology can qualify for scholarships offered by the American Chemical Society. Applicants will be judged on their academic records, evidence of leadership ability, participation in school and community activities, and level of interest in the chemical sciences as a career.

$$$: Approximately 100 to 200 awards of $2,500.

WHO: Minority high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA and the intent to major in chemical science.

DEADLINE: March 1, 2005.

INFO: American Chemical Society, 1155 16th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (800) 227-5558 Ext. 6250; scholars@acs.org; www.chemistry.org

AMERICAN FIRE-SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

SCOOP: For this award, you have to write a an essay about a successful fire sprinkler activation in your town, area, or state. The essay should include details about the cause of the fire, number of sprinklers that activated, or actions of fire fighters. You should also discuss how local media reported the fire.

$$$: Seven regional winners get $1,000. From those seven regional winners: the first-place national winner receives an additional $3,000; the second-place national winner receives another $2,000; and the third-place national winner gets an additional $1,000.

WHO: High school seniors. DEADLINE: January 5, 2005-but act now because this contest is limited to the first 1,000 eligible entries received through the AFSA website.

INFO: American Fire Sprinkler Association, 9696 Skillman St., Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75243; www.afsascholarship.org

AMERICAN HISTORY SCHOLARSHIP

SCOOP: If the thought of George Washington, the Civil War, and our country's Constitution really rattles your bones, this scholarship is for you. The American History Scholarship is awarded to graduating high school students who will have a concentrated study of American History and American Government. To enter, you must get a letter of sponsorship from your local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter (but you don't have to be a member). Applications are first judged at the state Only state winners are eligible for judging at the division el. Division level first-and second-place winners are judged at the national level.

$$$: Three $2,000 awards, which can be renewed for three years.

WHO: High school seniors planning to major in American History.

DEADLINE: February 1, 2005.

INFO: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D St. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; www.dar.org

AMERICAN INDIAN SCHOLARSHIP

SCOOP: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution wants to give you a scholarship just for being an American Indian. Although you don't have to be a member of DAR to apply, you'll need a letter of sponsorship from your local DAR chapter. You will also need written proof of your heritage. Oh, and don't forget to keep those grades up! You need at least a 2.75 GPA to be eligible.

$$$: One award of $500.

WHO: High school seniors and college students of American Indian descent.

DEADLINE: April l, 2005.

INFO: National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, 1776 D St. NW, Washington, DC 20006; (202) 628-1776; www.dar.org

ASHLEY MARIE EASTERBROOK SCHOLARSHIP

SCOOP: Created in memory of Ashley Easterbrook, a young woman who was killed by a drunk driver five days prior to her high school graduation, this award is for students involved in programs/ activities that are designed to help other students improve the quality of their lives.

$$$: One four-year renewable scholarship of $1,000; two two-year renewable scholarships of $1,000 each.

WHO: High school seniors with GPAs between 3.5 and who will be attending four-year institutions.

DEADLINE: March 31 2005.

INFO: Foundation for Ashley's Dream, P.O. Box 1808 Troy, MI 48099; www.ashleys dream.org

AYN RAND FOUNTAIN-HEAD ESSAY CONTEST

SCOOP: Read Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead lately? If you have or if you plan to, you have the chance to win cash. To enter, you must visit the Ayn Rand Institute Web site, choose one of the three book topics listed, and write an essay of 800 to 1,600 words. Essays will be judged on both style and content. Judges will look for writing that is clear, articulate, and logically organized. Winning essays must demonstrate an outstanding grasp of the philosophic and psychological meaning of the novel.