Ready to apply for some college scholarships? We rounded up seven different scholarships with January deadlines that feature a diverse range of qualifications and requirements. Whether you love history or STEM, there’s something for all kinds of students on this list of January scholarships. Find all the details on these scholarships for Winter 2026 below.
GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application, including an essay on leadership and service and a statement about your goals.
Eligibility: Open to current high school seniors planning to enroll full time at an accredited four‑year college or university for the 2026-2027 academic year with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Amount: $10,000 renewable scholarship for up to 4 years (up to $40,000 total)
Deadline: January 5, 2026
Website: https://www.reaganfoundation.org/education/scholarship-programs/ge-reagan-foundation-scholarship-program/
UNCF/Honda USA STEM Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application and submit a one- or two-page essay that describes your career goals and interests, including relevant information on your personal background and achievements.
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students enrolled at accredited four-year institutions studying STEM who have filed the FAFSA and have unmet need, as determined by the financial aid office
Amount: Up to $5,000
Deadline: January 12, 2026
Website: https://opportunities.uncf.org/s/program-landing-page?id=a2iVJ00000fa8vVYAQ
John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest
How to Apply: Submit an essay between 700 and 1,000 words describing and analyzing an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served during or after 1917, the year John F. Kennedy was born.
Eligibility: Open to U.S. high school students, U.S. students under age 20 in a high school correspondence/GED program, or U.S. citizens attending schools overseas (past winners/finalists are not eligible)
Amount: Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000, with fifteen honorable mentions
Deadline: January 12, 2026
Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/getting-started
National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application, including a transcript, resume, letter of recommendation, and one-page essay of no more than 300 words on why you’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.
Eligibility: Open to current high school seniors who are U.S. citizens planning careers in government service
Amount: Awards range from $1,000 to $10,000 and winners receive travel to Pennsylvania for the awards ceremony
Deadline: January 15, 2026
Website: https://www.gwcf.org/scholarship
Fidelity Scholars Program
How to Apply: Create an account on the UNCF site and complete the application, including a digital vision board (PDF) that tells the story of your journey and an essay of 3,000 words or less addressing the prompt: “Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself or others.”
Eligibility: Open to students ages 16-24 who are permanent residents of CO, FL, KY, MA, NC, NH, NJ, NM, OH, RI, TX, UT, or Washington D.C. Students must have a 2.5–3.59 unweighted GPA or GED, be Pell-eligible and/or demonstrate financial need, and be an incoming 2025-26 freshman at a four-year accredited, non-profit college or university
Amount: Winners will receive funding to cover their unmet financial need for up to four years of study
Deadline: January 29, 2026
Website: https://opportunities.uncf.org/s/program-landing-page?id=a2iVJ00000e9gQnYAI
Technology Addiction Awareness Scholarship
How to Apply: Complete the application form, including a 140-character message about technology addiction that addresses the prompt: “Instead of spending time with technology, I’d rather….”
Eligibility: Must be a current high school student, undergraduate, or graduate student at a U.S. college
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Website: http://www.digitalresponsibility.org/technology-addiction-awareness-scholarship
I Have a Dream Scholarship
How to Apply: Submit an answer of 250 words or less to the question, “We want to know… what do you dream about? Whether it’s some bizarre dream you had last week, or your hopes for the future, share your dreams with us for a chance to win $1,500 for college.”
Eligibility: Open to legal residents of the U.S. who are at least 14 years of age and are currently enrolled or planning to be enrolled in college
Amount: $1,500
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Website: https://www.unigo.com/scholarships/our-scholarships/i-have-a-dream-scholarship
Making the Leap Scholarship for Transfer Students
How to Apply: Complete the application, including a statement of no more than 100 words that addresses the questions: “Why are you transferring schools, and what do you intend to accomplish at your new school?”
Eligibility: Open to enrolled undergraduate students who plan to transfer or are currently transferring to another educational institution in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: January 31, 2026
Website: https://scholarships360.org/scholarships/search/making-the-leap-scholarship-for-transfer-students/
Please note, most scholarship recipients receive $2,500 or less, and only 0.1% of undergraduate students receive $25,000 or more in scholarship funds. Scholarships are one of many sources of funding for college, including savings, current income, and federal and private loans. To learn about the variety of ways to pay for college, visit our Paying for College webpage.
