NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship
Forecasted
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship supports doctoral scholars with dissertation writing, mentoring, and professional development to deepen understanding of education and contribute to its improvement.
Funder: Spencer Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Annual fall application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $30,000 for one academic year; part-time tenure may extend to two calendar years
Summary: Supports doctoral dissertation writing that brings fresh perspectives to education and contributes to its improvement.
Key Information: Applicants must be doctoral candidates at U.S. graduate schools; U.S. citizenship is not required.
Description
Funded by the Spencer Foundation and administered by the National Academy of Education (NAEd), this fellowship supports promising doctoral students across disciplines and professional fields. It funds the writing phase of dissertations that offer innovative perspectives on the history, theory, analysis, or practice of education. The program selects 35 fellows annually and combines financial support with professional development and scholarly mentoring.
Education is broadly defined: projects may address formal or informal learning, school or non-school settings, and early childhood through adulthood anywhere in the world. The dissertation must focus primarily on education and show potential to deepen understanding and contribute to educational improvement. Applicants should also demonstrate an interest in continuing education research after earning their doctorate.
