The Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program helps three populations earn degrees: adults, age 25 or older, with dependents; college-age youths and adults with physical disabilities; and young adults, age 18-25 years old, who have been raised in the child welfare system and are responsible for their own financial support. The program provides up to 6 years of support, which includes Indiana resident tuition and fees, books and supplies, and an annual living allowance of $2,500.

A number of reliable, free online scholarship search services are available. Some point you to state and national scholarships and some to local scholarships. Don’t rely solely on online searches. Talk to your school counselor and the financial aid office at the college you want to attend about their own scholarships.

The state of Indiana offers several scholarship programs for students with academic merit or interest in certain careers. Specific affiliations with the military, armed services or Indiana National Guard also may qualify someone for one of these scholarships.

You can learn a lot about life, possible careers and your own strengths and weaknesses when you volunteer. Volunteering is also a great resume-builder: many merit based scholarships require community service as part of the application.