Fellowships for Scholars and Journalists
Spencer Foundation fellowships fund early-career scholars and journalists to advance education research or reporting that informs policy, practice, and public understanding.
Funder: Spencer Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Dissertation Fellowship) | October 2026 (Postdoctoral Fellowship) | January 2027 (Education Journalism Fellowship)
Funding Amounts: $27,500 (Dissertation) | $70,000 (Postdoctoral) | $85,000 + $7,500 research support (Journalism) | All for 1 academic year
Summary: Fellowships support education scholars and journalists conducting impactful research or reporting to inform policy, practice, and public understanding.
Description
The Spencer Foundation offers fellowships to support early-career education scholars and journalists in developing foundational knowledge and engaging in research or reporting that advances education policy, practice, and public engagement. Three primary fellowships are available:
- NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship: Supports doctoral candidates undertaking research relevant to the improvement of education.
- NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship: Designed for early-career education researchers to advance their scholarship.
- Spencer Education Journalism Fellowship: Enables journalists to pursue long-form reporting on education while embedded at Columbia University.
Each fellowship is highly competitive and provides both financial support and opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and engagement with leading scholars and practitioners.
