Student Grants & Financial Aid Resource Center
At Benefit The Youth Foundation, we believe that financial barriers should never prevent students from pursuing their educational goals. Whether you are a high school student preparing for college, a current college student, an adult learner returning to school, or a parent seeking educational opportunities for your child, there are grants, scholarships, financial aid programs, and educational resources available to help.
This resource center is designed to connect students and families with trusted financial aid programs, grant opportunities, scholarship databases, educational planning tools, and support services that can make higher education and career training more affordable and accessible.
Start Here: Complete the FAFSA®
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
The FAFSA is the primary application used to determine eligibility for:
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Federal Work-Study Programs
State Financial Aid Programs
Institutional Grants
Scholarships
Federal Student Loans
Students should complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year to maximize their eligibility for available aid. FAFSA is the gateway to most federal, state, and college financial aid programs.
Apply Here:
https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
Learn More:
https://studentaid.gov
Federal Grant Programs
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is one of the largest sources of federal financial aid for undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need. Unlike student loans, Pell Grants generally do not have to be repaid. Eligibility is determined through the FAFSA application.
Federal Student Aid:
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
FSEOG provides additional grant assistance to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Funds are limited and awarded through participating colleges and universities.
Information:
https://studentaid.gov
Scholarship Search Resources
Fastweb
One of the largest scholarship databases available, connecting students with scholarships, grants, internships, and educational opportunities.
Website:
https://www.fastweb.com
Scholarships.com
Search thousands of scholarships based on academic achievement, interests, demographics, career goals, and financial need.
Website:
https://www.scholarships.com
College Board Scholarship Search
Students can search for scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities through College Board.
Website:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
CareerOneStop Scholarship Finder
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Website:
https://www.careeronestop.org
Federal Student Aid Resources
Federal Student Aid Information Center
Provides information regarding:
FAFSA completion
Grant eligibility
Federal student loans
Financial aid programs
Educational planning
Website:
https://studentaid.gov
Phone:
1-800-4-FED-AID
Resources for High School Students
College Planning Resources
Students preparing for college should explore:
FAFSA preparation
Scholarship opportunities
College admissions planning
SAT and ACT preparation
Career exploration programs
Dual enrollment opportunities
College Planning:
https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
ACT Student Resources:
https://www.act.org
Resources for Community College & Trade School Students
Financial aid may also be available for:
Community colleges
Technical schools
Trade schools
Vocational training programs
Career certification programs
Students should contact their institution's Financial Aid Office and complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. Federal aid may be available for many accredited career-training programs.
State Financial Aid Programs
Many states offer additional grant and scholarship programs beyond federal aid. Students should visit their state's higher education agency or financial aid authority to explore:
State grants
Merit scholarships
Need-based aid
Tuition assistance programs
Workforce development grants
To locate your state's financial aid agency:
Educational Grants for Special Populations
Additional financial assistance may be available for:
First-generation college students
Foster youth
Homeless youth
Military families
Veterans and dependents
Students with disabilities
Adult learners
Low-income students
Tribal and Indigenous students
Students are encouraged to speak with school counselors, college financial aid offices, and community organizations regarding specialized grant opportunities.
Financial Literacy Resources
Understanding how to pay for college is an important part of educational success. Students and families should learn about:
Grants
Scholarships
Student loans
Budgeting
Credit management
Student loan repayment options
Educational savings plans
Federal Student Aid Learning Center:
https://studentaid.gov
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau:
https://www.consumerfinance.gov
Tips for Maximizing Financial Aid
Complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year.
Apply for local scholarships offered by community organizations.
Contact your school's financial aid office regularly.
Search for grants and scholarships year-round.
Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Keep copies of all financial aid documents and submissions.
Meet all application deadlines.
Many forms of financial aid are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, making early application important.
Our Commitment
Benefit The Youth Foundation believes that every student deserves access to educational opportunities regardless of financial circumstances. Through this resource center, we aim to help students and families navigate the financial aid process, discover scholarship opportunities, and access the support needed to achieve their educational goals and build brighter futures.