Early Care and Education Research Scholars: Child Care Dissertation Grants
Forecasted
ACF offers dissertation grants for advanced grad students researching child care policy with CCDF agencies and faculty mentors, focusing on relevant policy questions.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
Administration for Children and Families - OPRE has archived this opportunity.
Funder: Administration for Children and Families – OPRE
Due Dates: May 15, 2025 (FY2025 applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $25,000 per 12-month period; up to $50,000 total for 24-month projects; typically 6 awards per cycle
Summary: Supports dissertation research by advanced graduate students on child care policy issues, in partnership with a Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) agency and faculty mentor.
Key Information: Applicants must submit evidence of an approved dissertation proposal with the application—no extensions allowed.
Description
This opportunity, offered by the Office of Planning, Research, and Evaluation (OPRE) within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), provides funding for dissertation research conducted by advanced graduate students. The focus is on child care policy issues relevant to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program. The grant aims to build research capacity in the field, inform policy and program administration, and foster strong mentoring relationships between doctoral students and faculty.
Projects must be developed in close collaboration with a CCDF agency or administrator, ensuring that research questions and findings are directly relevant to policy and practice. The program encourages research that addresses the needs of underserved or understudied populations and employs rigorous methodologies.
