Ask the college financial aid officer, or write to your state's division of vocational rehabilitation. The federal government and the military also offer some scholarships based on merit. Corporate help Scholarships from corporations, community groups and religious organizations abound, if you know where to find them. But the best bet is to analyze your child's strengths and approach groups that promote such talent. Check with your employer and with all the organizations you belong to to see if small grants or awards are available.
Many companies also give merit awards to students entering particular fields.
Union groups also set aside scholarship funds that are usually granted on a merit or need basis to members' children. Ask about these at your union s benefits office. If you and your child select a college early enough, you can enter a prepaid plan that freezes the cost of college to a specific amount that is actually less than the anticipated rate of inflation by the time your child enters the school. You get prorated refunds if your child drops out or fails in later years. Check with your dream college.