There is a scholarship (or many scholarships) out there for everyone. Every student has some skill, interest, experience, or characteristic that may make them an attractive candidate for one scholarship or another. And while we often refer to scholarships as “free money,” scholarships don’t actually come for free. It takes work to thoughtfully consider your strengths and research the scholarships that might be most appropriate for you. While the effort that goes into finding and winning scholarships may be akin to a part-time job, we at College Coach want to make your job a little easier. This on-going scholarship series highlights a new scholarship each week. Check out the below, along with the other posts in the series, and you may discover a funding resource that will make covering that college bill a little (or a lot!) easier.

Did you ever wonder what spies do? I mean, really? The Central Intelligence Agency runs a scholarship/work program for undergraduate students who have the right stuff. Winners must live in or relocate to the Washington DC area and agree to employment with the CIA upon college graduation.

Scholarship: CIA Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Awarding Organization: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Amount: Up to $18,000 of tuition assistance per year

Number of Scholarships Awarded: One

Eligible Students:  Must be 18 years old at time of application and meet GPA, test score, and income requirements. Must be able to work for the CIA for at least two summers during college and full-time after graduation. Preference given to students with foreign language skills.

How to Apply:  Complete online application and submit all supporting documents.

Deadline: July 31

Website: https://www.cia.gov/careers/student-opportunities/undergraduate-scholarship-program.html

Best of luck, and please see the awarding organization’s website for full scholarship details and requirements.