Previously celebrated in May, National Scholarship Month is devoted to raising awareness about the availability of financial support for college.  If you are someone in your family is headed for or already attending college, keep reading.  It could help you get money for tuition, books and living expenses. 

Scholarships are awarded by foundations, philanthropists, non-profit organizations, businesses and colleges, as well as local and international unions and Union Plus.

Some scholarships are awarded for academic merit, while others may focus on artistic, athletic talent or other personal strengths. There are even unusual scholarships based having unique talents such as duck calling or knitting with wool. 

In addition to its traditional scholarships, Union Plus offers National Labor College Scholarships for union members, leaders and staff interested in finishing their degrees online through the NLC.

Scholarships not only improve a student’s financial access to higher education, they also provide recipients with greater flexibility. Students can choose colleges that best meet their needs, without worrying about paying back large loans.

And there are benefits that go beyond money. The act of applying for a scholarship can help a student clarify his or her goals and decide on a career path. Winning a scholarship is a mark of excellence, opening doors to new educational experiences. Some sponsors even provide winners with long-term advocacy and support through mentorship and other services. Scholarship recipients also often get to interact with each other, building life-long friendships.

Check with your local union about the availability of scholarships and application deadlines. 

Apply now for Union Plus scholarships of $500-$4,000.  The deadline is January 31, 2012.  This year, Union Plus is also offering two scholarships for students who write winning haikus on Facebook or Twitter.  See details on these $500 scholarships here.