It’s a new month and a new year! That means a lot of new opportunities to win money for college. The scholarships below all have deadlines in January organized by grade level and chronological order according to deadline. Your best bet is to find the scholarships that apply to you and work on the ones with the closest deadlines first. But if you have a well-organized scholarship search spreadsheet, that should be no problem for you. Good luck and Happy New Year!
Scholarships for high school students
- High School Seniors College Scholarship Contest: This opportunity is open to graduating high school seniors planning to attend college or trade school. Applicants must be citizens or aliens legally residing in the US. This scholarship is not based on financial need, GPA, or demographic criteria. Awards: $2,000; Deadline: January 1 at midnight (CT)
- John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest: This scholarship is open to US high school students attending public, private, parochial, or home schools; US students under the age of 20 enrolled in a high school correspondence/GED program in any of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, or US territories; and US citizens attending school overseas. Applicants must write an essay between 700–1,000 words describing an act of political courage by a US elected official who addressed an issue at the local, state, or national level and served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born. Multiple awards are offered, with first and second place, five finalists, and 10 semifinalists awarded. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 12
- National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is open to high school seniors who are US citizens planning careers of service to the United States in local, state, or federal government. Applicants must write a one-page essay on why they’re planning a career in government service, including any inspiration to be derived from the leadership of George Washington in his famous crossing of the Delaware. Multiple scholarships are offered. Awards: $500–$5,000; Deadline: January 15
- PBWC Academic Scholarship: Female high school seniors from California are eligible for this award from the Professional Businesswomen of California. Applicants must submit an essay and three letters of reference. Awards: Up to $15,000, plus a ticket to the organization’s annual conference; Deadline: January 26
- Smith Diversity Scholarship: Lutheran Family Services offers multiple renewable scholarships that are open to Nebraska high school seniors who are pursuing four-year college or trade school programs. Applicants must be from underrecognized backgrounds, face financial barriers, and display academic aptitude, leadership, determination toward goals, and a spirit for making an impact. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 28
- Chevron Dinah Shore Scholarship: Offered by the LPGA Foundation, this scholarship is open to female high school seniors who golf but won’t be playing at the collegiate level while pursuing their education. Applicants must showcase strong academics, a history of community service, and letters of recommendation. Two scholarships will be offered and are renewable over four years. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: January 31
- Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship: The LPGA Foundation also offers five scholarships for female high school seniors of minority backgrounds pursuing a full-time, STEM-focused course of study at an accredited college or university in the United States. Applicants must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrated community service. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
- Phyllis G. Meekins Scholarship: This need-based scholarship is also offered by the LPGA Foundation, but it’s open to female high school seniors who identify as a minority and plan to play golf at the collegiate level. Two scholarships are available. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
- Marilynn Smith Scholarship: Also from the LPGA Foundation and the Marilyn Smith Scholarship Fund, this opportunity is open to any female high school senior who will be playing golf at the collegiate level. Multiple scholarships are available. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
- Renee Powell Scholarship: In partnership with the Renee Powell Fund, this LPGA Foundation scholarship is for Black or African American female high school seniors pursuing a full-time course of study and playing collegiate golf at an accredited college or university in the United States. Two scholarships will be awarded. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
- Opportunity Scholarship: This is an amazing opportunity for high school seniors who are undocumented or have DACA from Arkansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, West Virginia, or Wisconsin. Applicants must be planning to attend a college or university in the Opportunity Scholarship network and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Award: Up to $80,000; Deadline: January 31
- Ronald Reagan Presidential Scholars Program: This opportunity is open to high school seniors from Ventura County, California, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who plan to enroll at an accredited two- or four-year college or university for the upcoming academic year. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, character, communication skills, academic achievement, and commitment to the local community. Awards: A share of up to $50,000; Deadline: January 31
Scholarships for high school and undergraduate students
- Automotive Women's Alliance Foundation Education Scholarships: This opportunity is open to female students who’ve been accepted to or are enrolled in an accredited collegiate program. Applicants must have North American citizenship, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and a passion for a career or advancement in the automotive, mobility, or related industries. While AWAF members and family members are encouraged to apply for these scholarships, students who are not affiliated with the organization are also welcome to apply. Awards: Up to $5,000; Deadline: January 8
- APIA Scholarship Program: Asian and Pacific Islander students who are high school seniors enrolling in college as well as current undergraduate students are eligible for these awards. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a minimum GPA of 2.7, be the first person in their family to attend college, and showcase a strong commitment to community service and leadership. Awards: Up to $20,000; Deadline: January 9
- National FFA Scholarship Program: Members of the Future Farmers of America Foundation may apply for these three scholarship opportunities. Applicants may apply with any intended or current academic major for the Built Ford Tough Scholarship but must be enrolled in or planning to pursue an agricultural-related program or skilled trade for the Grow Ag Leaders Scholarship and FFA Future Leaders Scholarship. Awards: Up to 10,000; Deadlines: January 11 application deadline; January 18 supplement deadline
- The Homer Fund Orange Scholars Scholarship Program: If your parent or guardian works at The Home Depot, you need to apply for this scholarship! It’s open to high school seniors and college first-years, sophomores, and juniors planning to enroll as full-time undergraduates in the fall. Applicants must be a dependent of a full- or part-time hourly associate of The Home Depot and its subsidiaries, The Home Depot Canada, or The Home Depot Mexico at the time of application. Up to 1,000 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards: Up to $2,500; Deadline: January 19
Scholarships for undergraduate students
- Lois Britt Memorial Pork Industry Scholarship: These scholarships are open to current undergraduate students who are US citizens in a two-year swine or four-year agriculture program. Applicants must submit an essay of 750 words or fewer about issues facing the pork industry. Ten scholarships are available. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: January 2
- NJCPA Scholarship: This opportunity is open to undergraduate sophomores, juniors, and seniors as well as second-year community college students at New Jersey schools who are interested in pursuing graduate-level programs in Accounting. A 500-word essay on what you have learned and experienced so far in the field is required. Applicants are also judged on academic performance and an interview. Awards: Up to $6,500; Deadline: January 8
- NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship: College athletes who excel academically and are in their final year of intercollegiate athletics are eligible for this scholarship. It's awarded three times a year, corresponding with each sport season, with 21 awards for men and 21 awards for women available to put toward an accredited graduate program. Fall deadline sports include men's cross-country, football, soccer, and water polo as well as women's cross-country, equestrian, field hockey, rugby, soccer, triathlon, and volleyball. Awards: $10,000; Deadline: January 8 (as well as April 1 and June 7)
- Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Undergraduate Transfer Scholarships: Students at community colleges seeking to complete their degrees at four-year colleges or universities are eligible for these awards regardless of their area of study. US citizenship is not required, but candidates must have attended an accredited two-year institution in the United States. Awards: Up to $55,000 per year; Deadline: January 11
- Samuel Huntington Public Service Award: Graduating seniors from accredited US colleges are eligible to apply for this scholarship if they exhibit an interest in pursuing public service anywhere in the world. The stipend must be used in the year following graduation before the winner pursues graduate school or their career. Award: $30,000 for a one-year service project ($15,000 to start, another $15,000 after six months); Deadline: January 12
- Frank M. Snowden Undergraduate Scholarships: The purpose of this program is to further students’ studies of the Classics or Classical Archaeology with opportunities not available during the school year. It’s open to undergraduate students from historically underrepresented groups across North America, including African descent, Latino/a, Asian or Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous descent (Native American, Inuit, and Canadian First Peoples). Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a letter describing their career goals and plans for the summer, and a prioritized list of programs to which they will apply, among other requirements. Three to four scholarships are offered each year. Awards: Up to $4,500; Deadline: January 20
- Washington Media Scholars Foundation Case Competition: The Washington Media Scholars Foundation holds a Media Plan Case Competition for undergraduate students enrolled in any academic program at a US college or university. To compete for this award, applicants are required to compete in teams of two to come up with a strategic media plan based on a hypothetical public policy issue. Students are allowed to apply individually as well but will be paired with a random team member if selected. Awards: $18,500; Deadline: January 28
- Boren Scholarships for Undergraduates: The Boren Awards offer funds for American undergraduate students to study abroad in world regions critical to US interests. Maximum awards are determined by duration abroad (from eight to 52 weeks). Prospective applicants should reach out to the Boren Awards campus representative at their institution for guidance. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 31
Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students
- SBB Research Group STEM Scholarship: Students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate STEM programs full-time at a college or university are eligible for this scholarship, including international students. Applicants must submit an essay of 500 words or fewer on their most significant STEM experiences and how they'll use STEM principles to improve the world. A total of 12 scholarships are available throughout the year, with one awarded each month. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
- Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grants: The Explorers Club offers support for researchers and explorers from around the world while also providing them with a platform to illuminate their findings. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and be pursuing fieldwork in biological sciences, archaeology, anthropology, paleontology, earth sciences, ecology, or astronomy. Other scholarships and grants are available throughout the year for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and immediate post-doctorate students who are interested in scientific exploration. Award: Up to $40,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted on a rolling basis
- Race to Inspire Essay Contest: Whether you’ve run a 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon, you’ll have a chance to win this contest if you write a short essay explaining what inspired you to run, what challenges you faced, and what you learned through the experience. This scholarship is open to students who are enrolled in an accredited US college or university during the fall semester of the same year the essay is submitted. Award: $500; Deadline: January 1
- International Documentary Photography Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide regardless of academic major. The award intends to encourage personal involvement in social issues and promote socially conscious documentary photography. A statement of at least 350 words about a personal documentary photo project is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 1
- MarvelOptics National Scholarship Contest: Current full-time students at accredited two- or four-year colleges and universities are welcome to apply for this scholarship, which is offered twice a year. Students must write a 300-word essay or film a one-minute video response to the following prompt: Helen Keller said, “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” What does that mean to you? Applicants may post their responses on a personal blog, while those choosing to make a video may post it to Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube. Award: $1,500; Deadline: January 5 (and August 15)
- The Injury Scholarship: This biannual scholarship from The May Firm is for enrolled community college or university students. Applicants must write an essay of at least 300 words about a traumatic experience and how they overcame it. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 5 (and September 15)
- Elite Lawyer Scholarship: This opportunity is for undergraduate and graduate students at accredited colleges and universities who are US citizens, at least 18 years old, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Applicants must submit either a 500-word essay or a two-minute video presentation about a positive change they are working to bring to their community this year. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 10
- The Arc New York Scholarships: The Arc New York is a family-based organization for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Three awards are open to New York State residents pursuing Physical or Occupational Therapy degrees, Special Education certification, or intellectual and developmental disabilities fields such as Behavioral Sciences, Social Work, Nursing, Health Care Administration and Management, and Psychology. Essays aren’t required, but a signed recommendation letter from an academic instructor is. Awards: $3,000; Deadline: January 12
- Margaret McNamara Education Grants: These educational grants are awarded to women who intend to work in or with a developing country to improve the lives of women and children. Applicants must be full-time students at least 25 years old and can apply and receive their award before the deadline starting as early as September 15, depending on their travel plans. Awards: Up to $15,000 to pursue travel to Latin America, South Africa, and Canada; Deadline: January 15
- Army Women’s Foundation Legacy Scholarship Program: This program is open to women who have served or are serving honorably in the US Army, US Army Reserve, or Army National Guard. Women who are lineal descendants of a woman who has served honorably in the Army are also eligible. Applicants must be pursuing a certificate, two-year, four-year, or graduate program in a STEM field. A short essay (two pages or fewer) is required, and multiple scholarships are available. Awards: Up to $3,000; Deadline: January 21
- AIAA Scholarships and Graduate Awards: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts offers scholarships to sophomore, junior, and senior undergraduates as well as graduate students. Applicants must be pursuing a program in one of the STEM fields (may be more specific depending on the award) and may apply for up to three scholarships or graduate awards. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 31
- Cancer for College Scholarships: These scholarships are open to cancer survivors who are attending trade, two-year, four-year, or graduate school programs. Recipients may reapply for a scholarship every year that they are in school. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
- EnergyRates.ca College Scholarship: Open to students enrolled in an American or Canadian post-secondary institution, this is a non-fixed scholarship that requires applicants to submit an essay telling the committee where they see the future of the energy industry going. Essays must be no more than 500 words and written in English or French. Award: $500; Deadline: January 31
- Applegate-Jackson-Parks Future Teacher Scholarship: Undergraduate and graduate students majoring in Education at US institutions are eligible for this National Institute for Labor Relations Research (NILRR) scholarship, which was created to honor three Michigan public school teachers who were fired after they refused to pay union dues. A 500–700-word essay on Right to Work principles and compulsory unionism problems as they apply to educators is required. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 31
- William B. Ruggles Journalism Scholarship: The NILRR also offers a scholarship for students attending or seeking to attend an undergraduate or graduate program for Journalism or those who have demonstrated journalistic skills. Applicants must submit a completed application along with a 500–700-word essay, a copy of their most recent transcript or acceptance letter, and a photo. The essay must demonstrate an interest in and knowledge of Right to Work principles and compulsory unionism’s economic and social problems. Award: $2,000; Deadline: January 31
Scholarships for graduate students
- Dr. Joseph and Sonya Landholm Scholarship: This scholarship is offered twice a year to enrolled college students from Nebraska who are pursuing Veterinary Medicine as well as licensed practitioners who are members of the Nebraska Veterinary Medical Association. Awards: Up to $4,500; Deadlines: January 1 (and September 1)
- AMS Graduate Fellowships: Sponsored by the American Meteorological Society, these fellowships are open to US citizens with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who are pursuing graduate studies in Atmospheric Science, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Environmental Science, Hydrology, Mathematics, Oceanography, and Physics. Recipients will receive a stipend for a nine-month period in the academic year as well as partial travel support to attend the AMS Annual Meeting. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: January 5
- Garden Club of America Board of Associates Centennial Pollinator Fellowship: Any graduate-level student who is enrolled at a US institution and interested in studying or researching pollination decline may apply for this award as long as they are a US citizen or permanent resident. Applicants must submit their research study objectives, including title, site, timeline, description, priority area, written proposal, and budget. Award: Up to $4,000; Deadline: January 15
- Boren Fellowships for Graduate Students: In an effort to promote linguistic and cultural immersion, these fellowships are offered to graduate students to travel and study abroad for research and language study in world regions critical to US interests. Award recipients from the previous four years are allowed to apply again if they remain eligible. Awards: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 24
Scholarships for (basically) everyone
- Employment BOOST Academic Scholarship: This scholarship is open to US high school seniors as well as two- and four-year college students with a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Applicants may be pursuing any major, but one of two scholarships will be given to a student pursuing Business or STEM fields. An essay of 500–1,000 words is required. Awards: $1,000; Deadline: None; applications accepted year-round on a rolling basis
- Taco Bell Live Más Scholarship: This contest asks students to submit a video of up to two minutes that addresses three questions about their passions and plans to make a positive change in their community. Applicants must be legal residents of the United States between the ages of 16–26 who are enrolled or are planning to enroll at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, vocational/technical program, or trade school. Employees of the Taco Bell Foundation and franchises are not eligible but can apply to the Employees Scholarship Program, which has the same deadline. Award: Up to $25,000; Deadline: January 3
- Leaders Save Lives Scholarship: This scholarship contest from the American Red Cross is more of a challenge and is open to high school and college students, including those enrolled at trade schools or community colleges. Applicants must organize a blood drive during designated time frames. Depending on how many pints you collect, you’ll earn varying gift card awards and entries into scholarship drawings. Awards: Up to $200 (gift card award) and $2,500 (scholarship drawing); Drive time frames: December 15–January 15 (as well as June 1–August 31)
- Innovation in Education Scholarship: This monthly scholarship is open to high school and college students who write an essay on an innovative project they’ve designed that makes a difference in the lives of others. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA and be a US or Canadian citizen. Award: $500; Deadline: January 20 (same date every month)
- Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship: This scholarship is open to all high school (including homeschooled), undergraduate, and graduate students who are US citizens or legal residents, with no age limits. Applicants must submit a 140-character statement that completes this sentence: Instead of spending time with technology, I'd rather... Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 30
- DAR Scholarships: Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, these opportunities are open to US citizens regardless of gender. Multiple scholarships are awarded to high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Applicants must write a statement of 1,000 words or fewer about their career objectives, among other requirements. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: January 31
- ASNT Foundation Scholarships and Grants: The ASNT Foundation offers several different scholarships and grants to help build the next generation of nondestructive testing (NDT) professionals. Cash awards are available for professionals seeking continuing education and training, undergraduates pursuing Engineering degrees with an active interest in NDT, and students currently enrolled in NDT-related coursework leading to associate degrees or post-secondary certificates at US universities, colleges, technical schools, or companies whose primary workforce is education. Faculty grants and student travel grants are also available. Applicants must submit an essay as well as a letter(s) of recommendation. Multiple awards are offered in each category. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 31
- MyMozaic Scholarship: This monthly scholarship sweepstakes is open to US citizens who are 13 years and older. All you have to do is provide your email address to apply. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 31 (last day of every month)
- I Have a Dream Scholarship: Students ages 14 and older who plan to enroll or are already enrolled in a college or trade school are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be US citizens and submit a response to the question “What do you dream about?” in 250 words or fewer. Award: $1,500; Deadline: January 31
- eQuality Scholarship Collaborative: Open to Northern and Central California high school seniors, individuals planning to attend college or trade school, community college transfer students, and medical/graduate students, these scholarships require applicants to demonstrate service to the LGBTQ+ community. California residents of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: January 31
- Lindsay Sale-Tinney Award Scholarship: In association with the Outdoor Journalist Education Foundation of America (OJEFA), this scholarship is open to applicants 12–25 years old who have demonstrated an interest in working toward a career in outdoor communications. Recipients will be assisted in attending a conference, workshop, or trade show under the tutelage of a partnering industry mentor and will receive reimbursement for travel and incidentals related to the event. Awards: Up to $1,000; Deadline: January 31
- Discover Student Loans Scholarship: This scholarship sweepstakes is open to high school seniors, current undergraduate or graduate students, and parents. All you have to do is sign up for emails with helpful college tips and resources to enter, then 12 winners will be randomly selected throughout the year. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
- ScholarshipPoints $2,500 Monthly Scholarship: With multiple drawings held each month, your chances of receiving this award (and your odds of qualifying for additional scholarships) are increased by taking surveys, reading blogs, and other easy activities on ScholarshipPoints.com. Students of all levels are eligible but must create a free account and be at least 13 years old, a US citizen or legal permanent resident, and currently attending (or planning to attend) a college in the US. ScholarshipPoints also awards three monthly $1,000 scholarships, which equals 36 different scholarship opportunities available within one year for members. Award: $2,500; Deadline: January 31 (last day of every month)
- 1st Financial Bank Financial Goals Scholarship: This is a monthly scholarship open to US residents who are 18 or older and planning to enroll or are currently enrolled in a college degree program. This is a random drawing, but it does require applicants to submit a short essay of 500 words or fewer. Award: $2,000; Deadline: January 31 (last day of every month)
- CX Fresh Start to 2024 Scholarship Contest: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting January 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration (or log back in) and answer the following question in one sentence: How do you plan to make 2024 a great year? You can find a new easy scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $2,024; Deadline: January 31
Now that's a lot of scholarships! If you’re worried about your chances of winning, check out our blog on 3 Smart and Easy Strategies to Win More Scholarships to help increase your odds.
