Over 50 January Scholarship Opportunities to Apply For

January 2023: 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

• Don’t Wait to Reach Your Potential Scholarship: This scholarship is open to college-bound high school students in grades nine through 12. It’s a random drawing that also allows parents to enter for their child, but the parent and/or child must subscribe to the website’s eNewsletter. Award: $500; Deadline: January 6
• Ron Brown Scholar Program: Open to Black and African American high school seniors who are US citizens or permanent residents, this need-based financial award requires a keen interest in public service, community engagement, business entrepreneurship, and global citizenship. The program awards 45–50 four-year scholarships each year. Awards: $40,000 over four years; Deadline: January 9
• 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 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 eight semifinalists awarded. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 13
• 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 27
• 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. Award: $2,500; 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. Award: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
• Marilynn Smith Scholarship: Also from the LPGA Foundation as well as the Marilyn Smith Scholarship Fund, this opportunity is open to any female high school senior who will be playing golf at the collegiate level. Award: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
• Opportunity Scholarship: This is an opportunity for high school seniors who are DACA eligible 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 2.8. 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 welcomed to apply. Awards: $2,500; Deadline: January 10
• Cliff T. Wofford STEM Scholarship: This scholarship is open to Black and African American high school seniors or undergraduate students pursuing STEM fields with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applicants must write an essay about themselves, why they’re interested in STEM, and how they hope to benefit the world. Award: $1,500; Deadline: January 11
• National FFA Scholarship Program: Members of the National FFA Foundation may apply for these three 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: $1,000–$10,000; Deadlines: January 12 application deadline; January 19 supplement deadline
• 2022 East Rock Films Essay Contest: This contest is open to high school juniors and seniors as well as freshmen and sophomores at accredited colleges, universities, and community colleges in the US or Canada who are studying the Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences. Applicants must describe a work of art that speaks to and inspires them, such as a novel, poem, painting, sculpture, musical composition, song, dance, film, play, short story, nonfiction book, or documentary. The essay can be a traditional written essay of 500–1,000 words or a video or performance essay between three and 10 minutes long. Award: $500; Deadline: January 15
• APIA Scholarship Program: Asian and Pacific Islander students who are high school seniors enrolling in college or 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 19
• 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 freshmen, sophomores, and juniors planning to enroll as a full-time undergraduate 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: $1,000–$2,500; Deadline: January 20
• CCIS Future Contractor Scholarship: This opportunity is open to graduating high school seniors, current trade school students, and full- and part-time college students pursuing contractor-related fields. An essay about alternatives to fossil fuels and non-sustainable materials is required. Award: $750; Deadline: January 31
• Earnest Scholarship: This scholarship sweepstakes is open to full- and part-time college students as well as high school seniors who are enrolled or plan to be enrolled in college full-time. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents (including DACA students). Ten scholarships are available. Awards: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
• 1^st 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)

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 agricultural 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 3
• NJCPA Scholarship: This scholarship is open to New Jersey undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing graduate-level programs in Accounting. A 500-word essay on an assigned topic according to your college year is required. Awards: $2,000–$6,500; Deadline: January 6
• 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 this award regardless of their area of study. Awards: Up to $55,000 per year; Deadline: January 10
• 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 use in an accredited graduate program. Awards: $10,000; Deadline: January 10
• 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 13
• Gensler Scholarships and Design Challenges: Gensler offers two scholarships to US students: one for Black or African American students enrolled in an Architecture program, and one for any student enrolled in an Interior Design program. (A third scholarship for Architecture students from underrepresented ethnic minority groups in the UK is also available.) Applicants must submit a project as outlined by the challenge, with finalists submitting a video to present their work. Applicants of the Architecture scholarship may also apply for the organization’s micro-scholarships ranging from $1,000–$2,500. Awards: Up to $10,000; Deadline: January 16

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
• International Documentary Photography Scholarship: This scholarship is open to undergraduate and graduate students worldwide regardless of academic major. The intent of the award is to encourage personal involvement in social issues and promote socially conscious documentary photography. 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 response 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 at least 300 words long about a traumatic experience and how they overcame it. Award: $1,000; Deadline: January 5 (and September 15)
• The Arc New York Scholarships: The Arc New York is a family-based organization for people with intellectual and development disabilities. Their 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, or Psychology. Essays aren’t required, but a signed recommendation letter from an academic instructor is. Awards: $3,000; Deadline: January 7
• 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 prior to 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
• 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 19
• Army Women’s Foundation: This scholarship 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. Awards: Up to $3,000; Deadline: January 20
• 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). Award: 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. 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. Award: $500; Deadline: January 31

Scholarships for graduate students

• 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 1
• 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)
• 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. Award: $4,000 (amount may vary); Deadline: January 15
• The American Friends of Capodimonte (AFC) Fellowship Scholarship: This fellowship is open to students who hold a PhD in Art History (specializing in Early Modern European Art, preferably Italian Renaissance and/or Baroque Art) not received before May 30, 2020. Pre-doctoral candidates may apply if the PhD degree will be awarded before commencement of the fellowship. Applicants must be US citizens and have a working knowledge of spoken and written Italian. Award: Amounts vary; 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 25

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 address 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: $5,000–$25,000; Deadline: January 11
• 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 (and 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 home schooled), 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 for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Applicants may be required to have a 4.0 GPA for the merit awards. Awards: Amounts vary; 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 students, these scholarships require applicants to demonstrate service to the LGBTQ+ community. California residents of all sexual orientations and gender identities are eligible for these opportunities. Awards: Amounts vary; Deadline: January 31
• Discover Student Loans Scholarship: This scholarship sweepstakes is open to high school seniors, current undergraduate or graduate students, parents, and high school counselors. Award: $5,000; Deadline: January 31
• New Year, New Me Scholarship: New and existing CollegeXpress users are eligible for this random drawing starting January 1. To enter, just complete your free CX registration and answer the following question in one sentence: What is one new thing you hope to try in 2023? You can find a new easy scholarship contest every month in the Featured Scholarships section of CollegeXpress.com. Award: $2,023; 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.