If you’re heading into college — or already enrolled — January can be one of the busiest months for scholarship applications. Many national, regional, and organization-based awards wrap up early in the year, so now is the time to act. Below are some strong scholarship opportunities with January deadlines, plus advice on how to tackle the application process.
🔍 Top Scholarships to Apply for This Month
Here are several scholarships (or competitions) with upcoming January deadlines. Note: Always double-check the official website for the most current details, since requirements or deadlines may change.
| Scholarship | Amount / Award | Who It’s For | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Más Scholarship | Up to $25,000 StudentScholarships | U.S. students, ages 16–26 | Jan 6 StudentScholarships |
| ARRL Foundation Scholarship | Up to $25,000 StudentScholarships | Licensed amateur radio operators (FCC license required) StudentScholarships | Jan 6 StudentScholarships |
| Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship | Up to $30,000 StudentScholarships | High school seniors with financial need and academic promise StudentScholarships | Jan 7 StudentScholarships |
| JFK Profile in Courage Essay Contest | Up to $10,000 Scholarships360+1 | High school students (grades 9–12) passionate about U.S. history / civic courage Scholarships360 | Jan 12 College Raptor+1 |
| United States JCI Senate Foundation Scholarship | $2,000 (or similar) StudentScholarships | High school seniors attending college or vocational school StudentScholarships | Jan 12 StudentScholarships |
| Mensa US Scholarship | $2,500 (or more) StudentScholarships | High school or college students; uses an essay to apply StudentScholarships | Jan 15 StudentScholarships |
| Army ROTC Scholarships | Up to $200,000 (tuition + stipend) StudentScholarships | High school or college students interested in Army ROTC and service StudentScholarships | Jan 19 StudentScholarships |
| Barry Goldwater Scholarships | Up to $70,000 over time StudentScholarships | College sophomores/juniors planning STEM research careers StudentScholarships | Jan 30 (institution nomination required) StudentScholarships |
| National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Scholarships | Up to $50,000 StudentScholarships | Eagle Scouts in high school or college StudentScholarships | Jan 31 StudentScholarships |
✅ Why These Scholarships Are Worth Your Time
- Variety of awards: From large multi-year scholarships (like Barry Goldwater) to smaller grants (like Mensa), there’s something for different types of students.
- Different eligibility factors: Some are merit-based, some need-based, others favor service or leadership. That increases your odds if you apply to a mix.
- Timing matters: Applying in January means you’re in the running for scholarships before many later-deadline awards close.
✍️ Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Applications
- Start early. Gather your transcripts, recommendation letter requests, essays, and FAFSA if required.
- Write compelling essays. For scholarships like JFK’s contest or Mensa, your essay could make all the difference. Use specific examples, and edit carefully.
- Ask for strong recs. Provide your recommenders with a resume, your goals, and a “brag sheet” reminding them of your achievements.
- Track deadlines. Use a calendar or spreadsheet. Know which ones require school nomination (like Goldwater) vs. direct application.
- Apply broadly. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—apply to both “big” and “smaller/local” scholarships.
- Check your eligibility carefully. Make sure you qualify for each scholarship before spending too much time on the application.
📚 Bonus Resources
- Scholarship search engines: Use sites like Scholarships.com or Scholarships360 to find even more opportunities. Scholarships+1
- School counselor: Meet with your high school or college counselor — they often know about local or unadvertised scholarships.
Final Thoughts
January is a golden month for scholarship applications. If you move now — gather your documents, write your essays, and hit “submit” — you could seriously boost your financial aid chances. Even if you don’t win every scholarship, applying is time well spent.
College-Ready 
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