Paying for college can feel overwhelming. Tuition, fees, books, supplies… it all adds up quickly. The numbers can make higher education seem out of reach. That’s why scholarships can be a game-changer that allow you to reduce the cost of your education and limit the need to take on student debt.
So, where do you find scholarships? How can you stand out in a sea of applications? And what’s the best way to get organized so you can make the most of your time?
Whether you’re new to the scholarship process or looking to strengthen your applications, you can earn awards with a solid plan and consistent effort.
Getting Organized
Before you start applying, create a simple system to track deadlines, required essays, recommendation letters and submission details. A spreadsheet is a good way to keep yourself organized, plan ahead for recommendations (more on that below) and apply consistently during scholarship windows—instead of rushing at the last minute.
Where to Find Scholarships
If you’re an FRCC student, the Front Range Community College Foundation scholarship application is a great place to start. The application period is December 1, 2025, to March 1, 2026, so it’s prime time now!
Foundation scholarships range from $1,000 – $5,000 for full-time students and $500 – $1,000 for part-time students. You must be enrolled in at least six credit hours; a GPA of 2.5 or higher is preferred; and some scholarships require students to meet other qualifications.
The foundation’s website also shares information about other scholarships—from community scholarships to awards for students pursuing specific career paths to scholarships for students with GEDs.
More Places to Look
In addition to FRCC’s resources, be sure to explore other scholarship options by visiting websites of:
- Local businesses
- Non-profit organizations and community foundations in your area
- Civic groups and service clubs like Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs
- Religious organizations
- Your employer
- Professional associations you’re involved with
- City or county governments
- The Colorado Department of Higher Education
- State higher education websites
Tips for Writing Scholarship Essays
Many scholarship applications ask students to answer one or more essay questions. Don’t panic when you see this! That’s simply because selection committees want to learn more about your background, future plans and other factors in order to evaluate you holistically.
Here are a few tips on how to write a compelling scholarship essay that helps you stand out:
1. Read—and Respond to—the Prompt
As with any assignment, it’s important to read the essay directions and prompt carefully. Whether an essay is asking you to share details about your career goals, leadership, community service or academic interests, keep your response focused and on topic.
2. Tell a Story
Even when communicating straightforward information, aim to make your essay engaging from the very first sentence. Present your achievements or challenges in a way that demonstrates growth and personal development. Articulate your impact by showing, not just telling, what you’ve accomplished and how.
3. Make It Personal
It’s challenging to craft an essay that feels distinct, but including details that are unique to your experiences and perspective will make your story come alive. Avoid generic statements that sound like they could come from anyone, such as “I love learning,” or “I want to help people.”
Be specific: What’s it like for you to dive into a topic that excites you? Why are you passionate about supporting a particular community, and how do you plan to make a difference?
4. Tie Your Story Back to the Scholarship
Show why you are a candidate whose goals and experiences align closely with the scholarship’s mission. For scholarships specific to certain fields of study, highlight projects, classes or experiences that reflect your growth and skills in that area.
For scholarships awarded to students with specific life experiences or challenges, give examples of how you fit the criteria.
5. Be Clear and Concise
Reviewers read many essays, so make sure yours is easy to understand and that every sentence contributes to revealing who you are and why you are deserving. Avoid vague statements and long or complicated sentences. Focus on making your essay memorable.
6. Edit, Review, Refine and… Proofread!
After you finish a draft, don’t just hit submit. Editing is what turns a rough draft into a polished product.
Read aloud to yourself to catch awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow. When you revise, have a teacher, mentor or someone you trust review it next and give their honest feedback.
The Writing Center at each FRCC campus is an excellent resource for our students. Their tutors can help with grammar, structure and clarity to ensure your voice comes through.
Last but not least, proofread a final time with fresh eyes to check for any grammar or spelling errors.
The FRCC Foundation also offers several helpful tips on how to write a scholarship essay—check them out here.
Recommendation Letters
Some scholarships require one or more letters of recommendation. If that’s the case for yours, approach this thoughtfully.
Start by choosing the right people—those who know you well and can speak positively about your abilities, character and achievements. Bonus points if they can give specific examples rather than just general praise!
Good candidates might include professors (if you’re already in college), high school teachers, mentors, club advisors, employers or leaders at organizations where you volunteer. Once you’ve asked someone to write you a recommendation, follow a few best practices:
- Request your letters well in advance of the scholarship deadline. You want to give your recommenders time to write a great letter.
- Give your recommender a resume or “brag sheet” that highlights your work or achievements.
- Make sure your recommender knows the details of the scholarship you’re applying for.
- Provide all instructions up front to make things easier for your recommender.
Time to Get Started
Applying for scholarships is one of the smartest steps you can take to reduce the financial burden of college, and it’s well worth the time you invest. Every application is a chance to lower your expenses, earn recognition for your hard work and move you closer to your educational goals.
Scholarships don’t just help financially—they are an investment in your dreams and a confidence boost that can open doors to future opportunities.
If you’re ready to take the next step, explore the FRCC Foundation’s scholarship requirements and start your application today. Spending a little time now can make a big difference in your college journey.
If you’re not an FRCC student yet, apply now so you can also be eligible for scholarships from the FRCC Foundation. Good luck!
