It’s a new year, and that means fresh goals and new opportunities. Here’s one to add to your list: applying for these scholarships with January deadlines. We’ve got 10 to get you started including:
- One for those planning to make a difference with a degree in a mental-health-related field.
- One for students who embody leadership and drive.
- One for community college students looking to finish their bachelor’s degree without major debt.
- A career-focused one that pushes you to plan your next steps and connect with professionals in your dream field.
- An essay contest for high schoolers to write about acts of political courage in U.S. history.
- A documentary competition for students who have a message for the president.
- An award exclusively for National Junior Honor Society members.
- A short and sweet application that asks you to unplug and share how you’d rather spend your time offline.
- One for high academic-achieving high school juniors.
- One where you get to share your dreams—big or small.
Scholarships with January Deadlines
1. THE DRUG REHAB USA MENTAL SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount Awarded: $2,000
- Deadline: January 1
If you plan to study psychology, counseling, social work, or any other mental health-related field in college, this scholarship could be for you. This scholarship is open to any current college students, or soon-to-be college students, who are passionate about making a difference in the field of mental health. To apply, you’ll need a student email address and to submit a creative piece (i.e. essay, video, artwork) that shares why you’re pursuing a mental health degree and the impact you hope to have. Essays should be between 500-800 words and videos should not exceed five minutes.
2. GE-REAGAN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount Awarded: $10,000 renewable scholarship (up to $40,000 total)
- Deadline: January 3
This scholarship is for high school seniors who demonstrate leadership, integrity, drive, and citizenship in their everyday lives. To be eligible, you’ll need a minimum 3.0 GPA and plans to enroll in a four-year undergraduate program. Applicants are first selected on merit alone. When applying, you’ll submit the following: details about yourself, your parents or guardians, your high school, and your top college choice. You’ll also detail your involvement in community service, extracurricular activities, and any paid work. Finally, you’ll submit a written statement of your goals and an essay on your leadership and service.
3. COOKE UNDERGRADUATE TRANSFER SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount Awarded: $55,000 per year (for 2-3 years, up to $165,000)
- Deadline: January 9
Finish your bachelor’s degree without drowning in debt. If you’re currently at a community college but dreaming of finishing your degree at a four-year institution, consider this your golden ticket. The Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship offers up to $55,000 a year to cover tuition, living expenses, books, and fees. Not only that, but as a recipient you’ll also receive college planning support and ongoing advising. This scholarship is open to all areas of study.
4. LOVE YOUR CAREER SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount Awarded: $1,000
- Deadline: January 10
What passions and goals do you have for the future? JonesTshirts.com wants to hear about them! To apply, you will need to be a current college student or planning to enroll by the deadline of this scholarship. You’ll need to write a compelling essay (1,000-3,000 words) outlining three steps you’ll take in the next year to push you toward a career you’ll love. You’ll also interview a professional in your field of interest, asking specific questions like, “What initially inspired you to pursue the industry that you are currently in?” or “What are some of the college courses that you took that had a lasting impact on your career?”
5. JOHN F. KENNEDY PROFILE IN COURAGE ESSAY CONTEST
- Amount Awarded: $100-$10,000
- Deadline: January 17
Showcase your writing skills in exchange for financial aid! For this scholarship, any high school student (ninth-12th grade) can submit an original 700-1,000 word essay detailing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917. Essays require at least five sources, a bibliography, and proper citations.
6. C-SPAN’S STUDENTCAM DOCUMENTARY COMPETITION
- Amount Awarded: $5,000
- Deadline: January 20
Do you have a message for the president? If so, you could win big by creating a short video (5-6 minutes) and sharing what topics you’d like for the president to address once in office. This competition is open to students in grades 6-12. You may compete individually, or in teams of either two or three. All entries must include end credits or cite all sources used.
7. THE NJHS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
- Amount Awarded: $500
- Deadline: January 22
This scholarship is open to any current member of a National Junior Honor Society chapter. The application process is simple—just create or log in to your NJHS account, ensure you’re verified as a member, and then complete the three-part application. Those three sections include: student background and essay, service profile, and leadership profile.
8. TECHNOLOGY ADDICTION AWARENESS SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount Awarded: $1,000
- Deadline: January 30
With so much time spent on screens, this scholarship keeps it short so you can put your phone away and unplug. The application is quick and simple—just fill out your basic info and answer this 140-character prompt: “Instead of spending time with technology, I’d rather…”
9. THE HAMILTON AWARD
- Amount Awarded: $1000 (two separate $500 payments)
- Deadline: January 31
This scholarship is awarded to 20 high school juniors who are committed to making a difference. The Hamilton Award recognizes students for their academic achievements, service, and entrepreneurial spirit. Recipients will receive two $500 cash awards and will be enrolled in AHS’ Empowerment Program (a five-year program that consists of mentorship, practical guidance, and individual and group support).
10. I HAVE A DREAM SCHOLARSHIP
- Amount Awarded: $1,500
- Deadline: January 31
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words, “I have a dream,” this scholarship wants to know—what do you dream about? Whether it’s (literally) a wild dream you had this week or what you’ve always desired for your future, share it in 250 words or less for a chance to win $1,500. To apply, you must be a US citizen who is at least 14 years old.
Having free money* to pay for college is extremely helpful—invest in your education today! Scholarships can help make your education more affordable and reduce the weight of student loans. If you’ve missed out on these January deadlines, don’t fret, there are plenty more scholarships out there. Check out College Raptor’s Scholarship Search tool to see thousands of scholarships you can apply for.
*While a scholarship does not have to be repaid, there may be other obligations associated with the scholarship.
