This book contains national and statewide financial aid programs offered by government agencies, charitable foundations and major corporations. But there are also thousands of small scholarship programs offered on a local level by civic clubs, parishes, memorial foundations and small businesses.

In many cases, these programs award just  a few hundred dollars -enough to buy a semester's worth of textbooks. But since they are offered on a local level, your chances of receiving an award are much higher than they are for the big national competitions. So it pays to look for local scholarships.

Your school counselor may have files of local scholarship programs. There may even be a scholarship designated for graduates of your high school - you'll never know until you ask. You should also check with employers (either your parents' or your own); your church, temple or mosque; and any civic clubs that your family members are involved in.