Find the opportunity.Fund your future.

Legitimate scholarships do not require an application fee. Be cautious of guarantees, paywalled scholarship lists, or requests for banking and credit-card information.

Never share passwords, banking details or credit-card information. Only provide a Social Security number after you verify that a scholarship is legitimate and the information is required. Ask your counselor when in doubt.

Many deadlines arrive months before graduation, and new opportunities are added throughout the year. Make scholarship searching a regular habit.

Do not overlook smaller awards. Several $250 scholarships can add up to thousands of dollars toward your education.

Look at academics, career interests, service, leadership, athletics, fine arts, military affiliation, employment, community involvement and financial need. A more specific fit can mean a smaller applicant pool.

Track the scholarship name, deadline, requirements, application status and award amount. A simple system can keep a strong opportunity from slipping past you.

Keep copies of essays, resumes, activity lists, service records and recommendation letters. You may be able to thoughtfully reuse parts of them.

Give teachers, counselors, coaches and employers time to help. Aim to ask at least two weeks before the letter is due.

The largest awards often come directly from colleges. Pay close attention to admission, scholarship, honors-college and financial-aid deadlines.

Report every scholarship offer—whether you accept it or not—so CCS can celebrate your achievement and recognize the Class of 2027.