The NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship is designed to support a new generation of scholars from diverse disciplines and professional fields in conducting research that aims to improve education. This fellowship is offered by the National Academy of Education and provides financial assistance and professional development opportunities to doctoral candidates engaged in dissertation projects that explore innovative approaches to the history, theory, analysis, or application of both formal and informal education.

The primary purpose of the fellowship is to facilitate the writing phase of the dissertation, allowing fellows to focus on their research without the burden of significant employment. The fellowship provides a total of $27,500 for one academic year, which is distributed in two installments. In addition to financial support, fellows participate in two professional development retreats led by NAEd members and distinguished scholars. These retreats are designed to enhance the fellows' research capabilities and foster academic growth. Each fellow also selects a mentor from the NAEd membership or another esteemed scholar to provide guidance throughout the academic year.

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must be candidates for a doctoral degree at a graduate school in the United States, although US citizenship is not a requirement. Applicants must complete all pre-dissertation requirements by June 1 of the award year and must present a clear and specific plan for completing their dissertation within one or two years. The proposed research project must focus on education, but candidates from any academic discipline or professional field are welcome to apply. This includes, but is not limited to, fields such as anthropology, architecture, art history, communications, economics, education, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, political science, psychology, public health, religion, and sociology.

The application process requires candidates to submit an individual application, as group applications are not accepted. The fellowship prioritizes projects that demonstrate a commitment to educational research and innovation. Candidates are encouraged to articulate their research interests and how their work will contribute to the field of education.

The evaluation of applications will be based on several criteria, including the significance of the proposed research, the clarity of the research plan, and the applicant's potential for contributing to the field of education. The fellowship aims to support projects that are not only academically rigorous but also relevant to current educational challenges.

The deadline for submitting applications for the NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship is October 3, 2024. Interested candidates should ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements and prepare their applications in advance of this date. For further details and to access the application, candidates can visit the National Academy of Education's website.