[Spencer Foundation](https://www.spencer.org)

October 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

$70,000 per fellow; typically awarded for one year.

Supports early career scholars conducting rigorous research to advance education, administered by the National Academy of Education.

--- ## Description The NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship is designed to advance scholarship on improving education in all its forms, both within the United States and internationally. Funded by the Spencer Foundation and administered by the National Academy of Education, this fellowship supports early career scholars who demonstrate significant potential to contribute to educational research through rigorous inquiry. The program aims to nurture innovative research that addresses key issues in education and to foster the development of new knowledge and perspectives that can positively impact educational practice and policy. --- ## Due Dates - October 2026 (Full application deadline, anticipated/projected) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - $70,000 awarded to each fellow. - Fellowship typically supports one year of research. - Funds may be used for salary, research expenses, or a combination, as outlined in the program guidelines. --- ## Eligibility - Designed for early career scholars with a demonstrated commitment to educational research. - Applicants must have received their doctorate (PhD, EdD, or equivalent) and be at the postdoctoral level. - Research must focus on the improvement of education (any discipline, as long as the research is relevant to education). - Open to scholars in the United States and internationally. - Applicants may not hold tenure at the time of application. - Additional eligibility details and degree conferral date requirements are available on the [National Academy of Education fellowship page](https://naeducation.org/naed-spencer-postdoctoral-fellowship/). --- ## Application Process - Full application is due in October (anticipated). - Application guidelines, required materials, and submission portal are provided on the [National Academy of Education website](https://naeducation.org/naed-spencer-postdoctoral-fellowship/). - Typical required materials include: - Research proposal - Curriculum vitae - Letters of recommendation - Proof of doctoral degree conferral - Applicants may not submit the same project to both the NAEd/Spencer fellowship and a Spencer Foundation grant program without disclosing and, if selected as a semifinalist, must withdraw from one competition. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows are selected based on the quality and significance of their proposed research, as well as their potential to contribute to the field of education. - Past fellows have pursued a wide range of topics relevant to educational practice and policy. - NAEd/Spencer fellows and Research Development Awardees may apply for Spencer Foundation grants for significantly different projects. - For further clarification on eligibility or application overlap, contact the program administrator. --- ## External Links - [Spencer Foundation – Postdoctoral Fellowship Program Overview](https://www.spencer.org/grant_types/post-doctoral-fellowship) - [National Academy of Education – Fellowship Guidelines & Application](https://naeducation.org/naed-spencer-postdoctoral-fellowship/) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact Info | |------------------------|---------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [info@spencer.org](mailto:info@spencer.org) | | Spencer Foundation | +1 312-337-7000 | | Contact Form | [Spencer Foundation Contact Page](https://www.spencer.org/contact) | ---

NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship - Spencer Foundation

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