Local scholarships
Skip the long shots. The best odds are local.
Northern Virginia scholarships get far fewer applicants than national awards.
That math works in your favor, especially for first generation students and families with financial need.
Here is where to look and which awards fit you.
Better odds close to homeFewer applicants than national awards
Why local wins
Fewer applicants. Better odds for you.
Here is the secret smart students know about Northern Virginia scholarships.
Why are local scholarships easier to win?
Fewer people apply. A national award may draw thousands of entries, while local scholarships in Northern Virginia may draw dozens. The awards are often smaller, but you can stack several.
Most single awards are $2,500 or less, according to the Education Data Initiative. Three local wins can cover more than one national prize you are unlikely to get. That is why Northern Virginia scholarships deserve your time first.
A national award
May draw thousands of entries for one prize.
Long shotA local Northern Virginia award
May draw dozens of entries, and you can stack several.
Better oddsWhere to look
Start close. Then widen the circle.
These are the best places to find Northern Virginia scholarships, starting with the closest.
Your school counselor
Counselors hear about local scholarships first. Ask for the list each fall and spring.
A community foundation
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia manages many local scholarship funds.
Civic and faith groups
Rotary, Lions, churches, mosques and temples often fund students from their own town.
Employers and credit unions
Ask whether a parent's employer or your family's credit union offers awards.
Nonprofits like EAESSI
We award scholarships to local students directly. Apply here.
Start with your counselorAsk for the list each fall and spring
We serve students across Northern Virginia
Your lane
Which one of these sounds like you?
Every student has a lane. These are the four we see most among students looking for Northern Virginia scholarships.
"I'll be the first in my family to go."
Many awards are set aside for first generation students. EAESSI strongly encourages you to apply.
"I don't have time for another essay."
No essay scholarships take minutes to enter. Try a few, but save real effort for local awards.
"My GPA won't impress anyone."
Plenty of scholarships with no GPA requirement focus on need, service or goals instead.
"I'm undocumented or have DACA."
Some private and local awards do not require citizenship. See our guide for undocumented and DACA students.
Real stories win moreEssay awards draw fewer applicants
No essay and no GPA
Quick entries are fine. Real stories win more.
Two questions we hear every week about Northern Virginia scholarships, answered straight.
Are no essay scholarships worth it?
No essay scholarships take minutes to enter, so they are worth a try. Because anyone can apply, thousands often compete for one prize. Awards that ask for an essay draw fewer applicants, which gives your real story a better shot.
Can I get a scholarship with a low GPA?
Yes. Many local and need based awards set no GPA minimum. Scholarships with no GPA requirement care more about your goals, your service and your financial need. EAESSI weighs character and drive alongside grades.
Avoid scams
Real scholarships are free. Scams cost money.
The Federal Trade Commission warns families to watch for these signs.
- It asks you to pay a fee
- It guarantees you will win
- It asks for a bank or card number
- It says you won a contest you never entered
- It promises to do all the work for you
- You cannot find it anywhere else
Important to know
If you have to pay money to get money, walk away. Real Northern Virginia scholarships, including ours, never charge you to apply.
Common questions
Quick answers about local awards.
Ready to apply locally?
EAESSI awards scholarships to local students directly. It is free to apply.
Are local scholarships smaller?
Often the amounts are smaller, but the odds are better and you can stack several local scholarships.
Who offers Northern Virginia scholarships?
High schools, a community foundation, civic groups, businesses and nonprofits like EAESSI all offer Northern Virginia scholarships.
When should I apply?
As early as you can. Many Northern Virginia scholarships have spring deadlines.
Are there scholarships for first generation students?
Yes. Many colleges and foundations set awards aside for first generation students, and EAESSI strongly encourages them to apply.
Do I need a high GPA?
No. Many local awards weigh character, need and goals alongside grades.
Should I apply for no essay scholarships?
Enter a few if they are free. Spend most of your time on local awards with fewer applicants.
Scholarship help
Big prizes get the headlines. Local awards pay the tuition.
Free to apply for Northern Virginia students.
About EAESSI
Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems (EAESSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We help uninsured women get breast screenings and help Virginia students pay for college.
General educational information
This guide is for general education and does not endorse any outside scholarship. Figures on this page come from this source: