Scholarships

Scholarships: Your Guide to Finding Financial Support

Welcome to the Franklin Towne scholarship page! Scholarships are an important way to help reduce the cost of college or other post-secondary education. The amount of scholarship money a student receives often depends on the time and effort they put into researching and applying.


Institutional Scholarships: Don’t Forget to Check During Senior Year

When your student applies to colleges during their senior year, be sure to research each school’s scholarship opportunities. Many colleges and universities offer scholarships based on merit, need, or specific programs. Completing financial aid forms like the FAFSA is often required. Checking deadlines and application requirements early will give your student the best chance to qualify.


Private Scholarships: The Key to Maximizing Your Financial Aid

Beyond college-offered awards, private scholarships from community groups, corporations, foundations, and other organizations can add significantly to your financial aid package.

Why Focus on Private Scholarships?

  • They often have unique eligibility criteria tailored to diverse interests and backgrounds.
  • Many awards go unclaimed each year because students don’t apply.
  • Regular, ongoing searching dramatically improves your chances of success.

Make Scholarship Searching a Habit

Set aside time every week or every other week to search for scholarships that fit your student’s profile. When application windows open, you’ll be ready to apply quickly and confidently!


Types of Scholarships You May Encounter

  • Merit-Based: For academic, artistic, athletic, or other talents.
  • Need-Based: Based on financial need; often require FAFSA completion.
  • Student-Specific: For applicants based on gender, race, religion, family history, or other factors.
  • Career-Specific: For students pursuing particular fields of study.
  • College-Specific: Offered by individual colleges/universities to their applicants.

Helpful Scholarship Tips

  • Start early and search every year of high school.
  • Create a dedicated email account (shared by student and parent/guardian) to avoid missing important messages or spam.
  • Use a Scholarship Tracking Template to organize your applications and deadlines.
    (Download link below)
  • Build a resume documenting academic achievements, volunteer work, jobs, and leadership roles.
  • Let family and friends know you’re looking for scholarships—they may know of opportunities.
  • Always respect deadlines and application requirements.
  • Use free, reputable scholarship search engines (see below).
  • Highlight what makes you unique in your applications and essays.

Scholarship Search Engines & Resources

Use these trusted, free websites to create profiles and find scholarships tailored to your student:


Scholarship Tracking Template

Don’t forget to download and use our Scholarship Tracking Template to keep your research organized.
Download Scholarship Tracking Template
Even if you don’t find scholarships open right now, this will prepare you for future opportunities.


Stay Updated: Monthly Scholarship Newsletters

Our guidance office curates and shares new scholarship opportunities each month. Check out the latest newsletters to stay informed:

Learn More

Watch this helpful recorded webinar by PHEAA on Searching for Scholarships & Affording the Balance (September 2024): Watch PHEAA Scholarships Webinar


Questions? Need Help?

Contact your Franklin Towne school counselor with questions or for support in you scholarship searches and applications. We’re here to help your student succeed!