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.

Learn how to create scholarship applications that remove barriers and increase college access for students from all backgrounds. This guide covers essential strategies for designing inclusive, efficient, and effective application processes that promote success and equitable opportunities.

Learn how to award scholarships using 529 plans and the benefits they offer both scholarship providers and students. This guide answers common questions about 529 plans and provides essential tips for integrating them into your scholarship program.

Thinking of starting a scholarship? This guide walks you through each step, from defining your scholarship’s purpose to setting up a sustainable framework.

Retaining skilled scholarship program staff is essential for high-quality student support, strong donor relationships, and overall program success. Discover five proactive strategies to create a more stable, engaged team that will support your scholarship program’s long-term goals.

Discover how scholarship providers can ethically leverage AI to enhance application processes, support student success, and foster transparency. Explore actionable strategies for integrating AI into your scholarship programs.

Discover key insights from NSPA 2024 that are revolutionizing how scholarship providers support students. Learn actionable strategies to address barriers, redefine priorities, and leverage AI, all while keeping students at the heart of your scholarship programs.

Natural disasters like hurricanes and wildfires can disrupt students' educations. Scholarship providers play a crucial role in ensuring that affected students can continue their academic journeys.