Finding scholarships can seem like a daunting task, but there are plenty of opportunities available to you. In fact, a 2015 study conducted by NerdWallet found that over $2.9 billion in scholarships and aid went unclaimed during the 2013-2014 school year. The money is out there, you just need to know where to look.

Your first step is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which tells you how much in federal aid you qualify for based on income, among other factors. For the 2017-2018 school year, the FAFSA opens on October 1st with the priority deadline being December 1st. These dates are earlier than previous years, as the FAFSA is undergoing several changes to make it easier for students to receive aid.

Next, check out scholarship matching websites. Sites such as Fastweb.com or Scholarships.com ask you to fill out personal information and then find you scholarships that fit your needs and qualifications. These sites often provide a direct link to the scholarship website or application. Also when you’re searching, try to think of what makes you unique. There are scholarships based on gender, cultural background, religion, even height!

While you can qualify for some scholarships based solely on an application, many scholarships require a little work on your part. You may need to provide examples of experience, write a short essay or take part in an event. Take note of all application deadlines and read scholarship rules carefully to make sure you are meeting all the requirements before you submit the application.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to apply for scholarships or grants because you think you won’t qualify. Additionally, don’t discount local scholarships just because they aren’t as lucrative as the $10,000 sweeps contests. You have a much better chance when there is a smaller pool of applicants, and every dollar counts when it comes to finding money for your education.

Most of the $2.9 billion in unclaimed aid went unclaimed simply because students didn’t apply. Take advantage of every opportunity that is out there.

Looking for more help funding your education? Check out our Paying for College course to learn more!

Female Arizona residents pursuing education in medicine or natural sciences will now have an additional opportunity for funding tuition: Patti Flint, MD, PC has announced the establishment of the Dr. Patti Flint Women in Science Scholarship. Designed to aid women following an educational and career path that is traditionally male-dominated, the Women in Science Scholarship offers financial support to women interested in the hard sciences.

“Science and medicine are not inherently gendered fields,” Dr. Flint emphasizes. “The status quo is already changing, and we need to continue encouraging our female engineers, scientists, and doctors.”

The submission period is open through November 01, 2015. Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements and submit an application via the online form. The application process was designed to be as simple and accessible as possible, requiring only a letter of recommendation, basic personal and educational information, and responses to three short essay questions. Alternatively, applicants may choose to forgo the written essay questions and fulfill the requirement through a video application submitted via YouTube.

Both traditional and nontraditional students are invited to submit an application, and Dr. Flint wants to ensure the scholarship is open to those either attending university or community college within Arizona state.

Applications will be reviewed by the scholarship committee and the recipient will be chosen based on the adherence to guidelines and quality of submission. The recipient of the scholarship will receive $2,500 to be used toward tuition and educational expenses, awarded to the student in the form of a cash prize.

Finding scholarships can sometimes be tough. We found one we think you might be interested in!

Marketing Certified Students Leading Social Media Scholarship

Deadline: August 31st, 2015
Award: $1,000

Who Can Apply? The Social Media Scholarship is for students ages 16 – 25 who have maintained a 2.5 GPA or greater in the most recent year completed.

To be considered eligible for the Marketing Certified Social Media Scholarship you must:

1. Be between the ages of 16 and 25 on August 31st, 2015 and a citizen of the United States or Canada

2. Like Social Media Scholarships Facebook page.

3. Email a short essay explaining how you think social media would, from a future employment prospective, benefit your career. Explain in under 500 words how understanding social media would help you become more marketable to a potential employer. Clearly identify how it will benefit you and explain why you think you should be granted the Social Media Scholarship. Send your essay to: scholarship@marketingcertified.com.

4. Register your contact information on their website.

5. Complete the 50-question social media exam they send you with once you have completed your registration. The exam ensures that you are proficient in social media.

Interested in social media? Take Next Step Academy’s online course to learn more!

Students interested in nursing can apply for the SGNA RN General Education Scholarship (Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates). This scholarship is for nursing students currently enrolled full-time for a minimum of one semester in an accredited nursing program. To qualify for this scholarship, applicants must have a 3.0 GPA.

To apply, fill out the application and submit it no later than July 31, 2015, along with a short essay, a letter of recommendation and a transcript of any coursework you have already completed.

The recipient will be notified in October, and the funds will be awarded after the winner successfully completes the fall term.

> Learn more about careers in nursing with this quick online course from Next Step Academy.

The National Restaurant Association lists student scholarships for those interested in pursuing a career in food services.

They offer a variety of merit-based scholarships to students who want an education and a career in the foodservice industry, starting at $2,500 per award.

In 2014, the NRAEF awarded over $1 million in scholarships.

The 2015 scholarship application process will close soon, with many scholarships ending on May 27, 2015. Take a look at the variety of scholarships available and the diverse range of career paths you can take in the restaurant industry — the possibilities are endless.

You can access these scholarships in one place on the National Restaurant Association website.

Many scholarships give preference to location, so also check the state-by-state scholarships listing.

Best of luck to those who apply!

> Looking for more information about restaurant and hospitality careers or majors? Take our online course in Restaurant Management or Culinary Arts. 

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) is hosting it’s first-ever Culinary Voice Scholarship Challenge. ICE is giving away eight scholarships — totaling more than $140,000 — in its search for the next generation of culinary talent. America will vote for the finalists and the winners will be chosen by a panel of ICE industry experts.

To enter the contest, upload a one-minute video to ice.edu/culinaryvoice demonstrating creativity, passion for food, service or entrepreneurial flair. In the video, contestants should explain who they are, what they hope to achieve in the culinary or hospitality industries and why they deserve the scholarship and the chance to study at the nation’s newest, state-of-the-art center for culinary education (opening Winter 2015 in Lower Manhattan). 

50 finalists will be determined by public vote, and for every vote, ICE will make a donation to No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger in America.

One full scholarship and one partial scholarship will be awarded for each of ICE’s four award-winning career training programs: Culinary Arts, Pastry & Baking Arts, Culinary Management and Hospitality Management.

Voting begins on March 1, but you have until March 28 to vote and upload an entry. Winners will be announced on April 3rd, 2015

> Not sure if a job in culinary is the right career path for you? Explore a little more with this quick course about Culinary Arts.

If you are a single parent looking to go back to school, every little bit of help matters. Consider applying for the Katz & Phillips Single-Parent Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to one high-achieving, bright student intending to pursue a career in law who is also a single parent.

Amount: $1,000 scholarship for single parents pursuing a law degree.

Requirements: To qualify you do not need to be enrolled in a law school; however, if you are not you must either be declared as a pre-law major or actively plan to attend law school. Applicant must be either a current law student at an accredited law school or at an accredited undergraduate university planning to attend and accepted into law school for the following academic year. Must have a minimum 2.8 GPA. Applicants must submit an official copy of their transcript.

Description: Applicants will be judged on their academic merits as well as the content of the application essay they provide.

Essay Topics: Please choose one of the three questions provided for your essay. Essays must be between 500 and 1000 words.
• How has being a single parent affected your education?
• How have you overcome a particularly difficult obstacle in pursuing your legal education?
• How will this scholarship help you and your family while you pursue your legal education?

Deadline: July 31, 2015

For more information: Visit the Katz & Phillips Single-Parent Scholarship website.

> Not sure if law and public safety is the right career path for you? Take a career skills course first at NextStepAcademy.com.

Getting an internship is great — getting an internship that also offers a scholarship is even better!

The Intertek Scholarship Program continues to promote STEM learning and women in engineering fields by offering its scholarship and internship program for a second year. Intertek is now seeking candidates to receive a scholarship of up to $10,000 paired with a paid internship at an Intertek office during the summer of 2015.

The scholarship reflects Intertek’s commitment to promoting STEM education and inspiring students to pursue their dreams. In particular, Intertek is encouraging female candidates to apply for the scholarship and internship experience in an effort to foster the advancement of women in engineering fields.

“Intertek continues to be at the cutting edge of the engineering and scientific industries, and we are honored to be investing in the next generation of leaders,” said Julie Vlahos, Vice President of Global Products & US Marketing at Intertek.

To qualify for this scholarship, students must be full-time, currently enrolled college sophomores or juniors at an accredited college or university in the U.S. or Canada, and pursuing a career in engineering.

Online applications are due February 6, 2015, and recipients will be announced in April 2015. Learn more at www.intertek.com/scholarships.

> Learn more about the skills you would need to succeed in college or in an internship!

Sometimes you need a little emergency fund to help us stay on track with higher education.

The Mark A. Gabis Stepping Stone Scholarship is available for students for needs that come up and prevent them from attending classes. Its purpose is to keep students from having to drop out for reasons like car repairs, gas money, medicine, etc. It is not intended to be used for on-going living expenses like rent, house payment, car payment, electric bill, etc.

This scholarship can also be used to pay for certification exams, board exams, or other exams to further the student’s qualifications that would help them obtain the job they want upon graduation.

This scholarship application can be submitted anytime. However, the applications are only reviewed on the 1st and 3rd week of each month. The range of the scholarship amount is $50-$300 dollars per student, and is paid directly to the student. A student can only access Stepping Stone Scholarship funds one time.

To be eligible for this scholarship, take note of the following requirements:
• Submit application
• Submit administrator form
• Must be at least in the second quarter/semester to apply
• Must follow the essay guidelines provided

> To apply online visit http://markagabisfoundation.org/apply.