Scholarship providers can prepare for potential disruptions to student financial aid by implementing key strategies that ensure students continue to access and persist in higher education despite legislative changes and financial uncertainty.

Learn essential compliance strategies and governance insights to strengthen your scholarship program against increased regulatory scrutiny while maximizing student impact in 2025's challenging landscape.

Download our free, customizable donor reporting template designed specifically for scholarship programs to effectively communicate impact, showcase student success stories, and inspire continued giving.

Eleven actionable strategies for scholarship providers to evolve their programs and better support the diverse needs of today's college students, moving beyond traditional stereotypes.

Navigate the evolving landscape of scholarship programs in 2025; learn why a robust policy is crucial for compliance, impact, and resilience amid regulatory shifts and attacks.

Learn actionable strategies for scholarship providers to support international students facing visa revocations and deportation during the current immigration crisis. We outline how organizations can honor their commitments to students by providing direct financial support, simplifying requirements, and maintaining educational continuity across borders.

Discover how to convert your scholarship committee volunteers into long-term donors and advocates. Get a proven stewardship strategy, email template, and creative engagement ideas to boost retention and giving.

Discover how internship programs can provide cost-effective administrative support, fresh perspectives, and professional development opportunities for scholarship organizations while alleviating team overwhelm.

Discover how a Scholarship Hotline can eliminate barriers for students facing crisis—providing immediate, human-centered support through a simple phone call. Learn how to design a model that reaches the students who need it most.

Learn practical strategies to protect vulnerable students through secure data management, trusted review processes, and encrypted communications. Discover how to implement privacy-focused practices that shield your students from heightened scrutiny while maintaining program effectiveness.

Discover a comprehensive framework for creating an audit-ready scholarship program that protects your mission while improving operational excellence. Learn practical steps to organize documentation, align policies with purpose, and maintain stakeholder trust—even during increased scrutiny.

Learn proven strategies for creating effective student emergency funds. This comprehensive guide covers key components of successful emergency aid programs, from streamlined application processes to rapid fund distribution methods, helping scholarship providers develop systems that keep students enrolled when financial crises hit.

Learn field-tested solutions to major scholarship program challenges, including award displacement, unused funds, and peak season demands.

Learn how hiring students can enhance your nonprofit’s mission. From microinternships to advisory committees, discover actionable strategies to engage students, gain fresh insights, and create lasting impact for your organization.

Learn how tuition-free college programs are reshaping the role of scholarship providers. Read about strategies to stay impactful by addressing gaps in funding, supporting underserved students, and adapting award models.

Join us as we share our heartwarming holiday traditions, from baking to movie nights. Discover delicious recipes and get into the holiday spirit!

Discover how Washington State’s use of SNAP benefits as an alternative to FAFSA simplifies financial aid eligibility. Learn how scholarship providers can adopt this innovative, student-centric approach to reduce barriers and increase access.

This blog post, inspired by our recent webinar, provides practical strategies to optimize your scholarship program, including leveraging AI, unlocking unawarded funds, and assessing financial need without the FAFSA.

As scholarship administrators, managing complex programs can feel overwhelming. Students First Consulting offers tailored solutions to simplify your operations, enhance donor relationships, and improve student outcomes, ensuring you achieve your goals with a clear, actionable plan.

This Thanksgiving, we're celebrating the dedicated scholarship providers and inspiring students who make our work possible.