In order to most effectively plan your search, you should contact the necessary organizations up to a year in advance. Your first step should be to decide on a few schools and contact their financial aid offices, asking about any scholarships or financial aid they offer to minority students. Be sure to explore all financial aid and scholarship possibilities, not just those opportunities targeted specifically towards minorities. The federal government has several major financial aid packages, work-study programs, and grants. You may contact their educational hotline at 1-(800) 433-3243.