The Scholastic Research Institute estimates that $135 million of college aid goes unused yearly. But two scholarship services are working to change that trend.

David Kranich began his scholarship search business this semester and is currently serving more than 30 students.

"I heard about the opportunity, researched it and made an investment," said Kranich (sophomore-business administration).

Each student fills out a data form asking for general information as well as occupational goals, unusual interests and parent history. Their data is then entered into a computer, which searches for sources for each student, Kranich said.

He said he returns the phone calls of students who leave messages on his answering service, then explains the process to the students. He added that he has been getting favorable responses.

The computer holds 14,000 different scholarships. Every student is guaranteed at least $200 or the student receives a savings bond, Kranich said.

"If the computer doesn't find at least six sources, the initial $65 is returned," Kranich added.

Anna Griswold, assistant vice president for student and financial aid, cautions students to read the fine print and make sure they know what they are paying for when they use such services.

"These types of services have been in business for years," Griswold said. "They are legit. There is no illegal practice."

But Griswold said the Office of Student Aid, 314 Shields, offers a listing of scholarships at no cost.

The office provides a list of sources for a set fee, and a notebook of scholarships that students can peruse for free, Griswold said.

Griswold said three to five of the computer-listed sources are federal grants and loans. Information on these types of programs can also be found in the Office of Student Aid.

"If students are clearly guaranteed results, then I don't have a problem with it," Griswold added.

Amy Domenick (sophomore-accounting) plans to go through the scholarship search process in the future.

"I have gotten the information, but I am not going to do it at this time," Domenick said. "I don't have the money at this time because sorority dues are expensive, but I plan on doing it in a couple of months."

Suzanne Speiss (freshman-psychology) also intends on taking advantage of the service.

"I haven't actually done it yet, but my parents are going to pay sometime next week," Speiss said. "I saw the advertisement in my dorm and thought it would be a good opportunity."

Students are just starting to get the information on the service, and the process for most is still in the beginning stages, Kranich said.

Bill Champlin, owner and operator of the Scholastic Research Institute, offers students another scholarship service that guarantees at least five sources for $69 or students will get their money back.

But on the average, students receive 15 to 16 sources, Champlin said.

"Students can fill out a data form, answering questions on their major, background and income," Champlin said. "We process the data into the computer-matching system and then the students deal with the organizations on a one-on-one basis."

Champlin stressed that students don't have to be financially needy or have a high grade point average to be eligible.

"Students can receive aid even if their parents make lots of money and they have a 'C' average," Champlin said.

The service doesn't guarantee that students will receive money from the sources, but Champlin claims that 95 percent of the applicants get money.