NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship
Forecasted
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship supports emerging doctoral scholars with dissertation writing, mentorship, and professional development to advance research relevant to improving education.
Funder: National Academy of Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $30,000 for one academic year; part-time plans may extend up to two years; 35 fellows annually
Summary: Supports doctoral dissertation writing on research relevant to improving education, with mentorship and professional development.
Key Information: Applicants must be doctoral candidates at U.S. graduate schools; U.S. citizenship is not required.
Description
The National Academy of Education (NAEd), with support from the Spencer Foundation, offers this fellowship to encourage emerging scholars across disciplines and professional fields to undertake research relevant to improving education. It supports dissertations offering innovative and insightful approaches to the history, theory, analysis, or application of formal and informal education. Education is defined broadly, encompassing school and non-school settings, early childhood through adulthood, and contexts within and beyond the United States.
The fellowship supports dissertation writing rather than data collection or coursework, reducing the need for significant employment during this phase. In addition to financial support, fellows attend two professional development retreats led by NAEd members and other distinguished scholars. Fellows also select an NAEd member or another distinguished scholar as a mentor for guidance throughout the academic year.
