Division 37 Diane J. Willis Early Career Award
Division 37 Diane J. Willis Early Career Award supports early-career psychologists’ policy and service work to advance public understanding and improve children’s and families’ mental health and well-being.
This grant was recently updated
Applications are now open, replacing the notice that the 2026 program year was closed, with a new deadline of February 20, 2027. Online application links are now active.
Funder: American Psychological Foundation
Due Dates: November 1, 2026 (Applications open) | February 20, 2027 (Deadline, 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time)
Funding Amounts: One award of $2,000
Summary: Recognizes early-career psychologists advancing children’s and families’ mental health and well-being through policy and service.
Key Information: Nominees must hold an EdD, PsyD, or PhD from an accredited university and be no more than 10 years postdoctoral.
Description
The American Psychological Foundation (APF) and Division 37: Society for Child and Family Policy and Practice sponsor this award to recognize early-career psychologists’ contributions to children and families. It supports work that informs the public, advances advocacy, and improves mental health and well-being, particularly through policy. Recognition centers on professional accomplishments in policy and service.
The award honors Dr. Diane J. Willis’ lifelong advocacy across clinical child, pediatric, developmental, and family psychology. Her publications, clinical work, mentoring, and teaching helped change policy locally, nationally, and internationally. Her advocacy included children’s rights at the United Nations, prevention and early intervention for Native American children living on reservations, and services for children with developmental disabilities, chronic illness, and experiences of maltreatment.
