William T. Grant Scholars Program
The William T. Grant Scholars Program funds early-career researchers to study reducing youth inequality or improving research use in youth-serving systems, supporting career development and cross-disciplinary research.
Funder: William T. Grant Foundation
Due Dates: June 10, 2026 (Mentor and reference letters) | June 30, 2026 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: $425,000 total per Scholar over five years (up to 7.5% indirect costs included)
Summary: Supports early-career researchers to expand expertise and conduct research on reducing youth inequality or improving research use in youth-serving systems.
Key Information: Applicants must be nominated by their institution; only one nominee per major division per year.
Description
The William T. Grant Scholars Program is a prestigious career development award supporting early-career researchers who seek to expand their expertise and conduct research in one of two focus areas: (1) reducing inequality in the academic, social, behavioral, or economic outcomes of young people ages 5–25 in the United States, or (2) improving the use of research evidence in ways that benefit young people. The program funds five-year research and mentoring plans designed to facilitate a significant shift in the applicant’s research trajectory, with a strong emphasis on cross-disciplinary learning and robust mentoring relationships. Scholars benefit from an academic community, annual retreats, and may apply for additional support to mentor junior researchers of color.
