This comes out of a conversation with Kirsten Han about informing people about scholarship opportunities around the world. Apart from officially-funded or -sanctioned channels, scholarship opportunities are available from a variety of philanthropic and academic sources, as well as NGOs. Here are some sites that provide some basic information to begin a search for academic funding in the United States. Often, universities will also administer scholarships of various sorts. So, if you get into an institution, make sure you check with their financial aid office for opportunities.
That said, getting scholarships and funding is almost always challenging. These opportunities may not be any less selective or prestigious than official sources. Just that knowing what your options are can help.
Folks may also wish to consider some of the trade-offs between some official scholarship sources that promise employment and other forms of scholarship. The prospect of job security can be alluring, but can also limit your options after the completion of your degree or lock you into a career path. Non-official scholarship sources with no-strings attached do not have the promise of a job at the end of your degree, but allows flexibility. There are also some scholarships with short-term or general requirements that are sort of a mix of the two.
P.S. Note that I do not endorse any of these sites. I just list them as public information. Will post more as I come across them.
http://www.fundingusstudy.org/
http://www.usscholarshipguide.org/
http://www.scholars4dev.com/category/country/usa-scholarships/
