START HERE: SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH TOOLS

UNCF Scholarships — Browse scholarships, internships, and programs with different eligibility rules. 

Sallie Mae / Scholly — Free scholarship search; filter by grade, state, interests, and major. 

BigFuture by College Board — Search a large scholarship directory and explore personalized matches.

Scholarships.com — Free scholarship search; filter by grade, state, interests, and major. 

Chicago & Illinois Opportunities

Wentcher Foundation — For eligible graduating CPS seniors; renewable awards up to $10,000 per year. Check current GPA, need, school, and deadline requirements. 

CPS Scholarship Alerts — Search scholarships on SchoolLinks and sign up for CPS Scholarship Manager alerts, live scholarship workbook, and deadlines. For more information about CPS scholarship resources, email CPS Scholarship Manager at CollegeScholarships@cps.edu

Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) — Need-based state grant for eligible Illinois students. Apply through FAFSA or the Illinois Alternative Application. 

Federal Student Aid / FAFSA — Complete the free FAFSA to explore federal grants, work-study, and other aid.

Bonus places to ask

Your school counselor, your college financial aid office, local community groups, your employer, and a parent or guardian’s employer. 

Your 3-Move Scholarship Challenge

1. SEARCH for 3 scholarships you may qualify for.

2. PREPARE your activity list and personal story.

3. APPLY to at least one opportunity before its deadline. 

Note: Always confirm eligibility and deadlines on the scholarship provider’s official website. Scholarship searches and applications should not require payment. Resources are informational; awards are not guaranteed. 

  • SAMANTHA PARRA, 2022 SCHOLAR

    “ AROSE has helped me in becoming a better student and has given me the opportunity to achieve my dreams. ”