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Dissertation Grants

With support from the National Science Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Grants Program seeks proposals for Dissertation Grants. The AERA Grants Program provides advanced graduate students with research funding and professional development and training. The program supports highly competitive dissertation research using rigorous quantitative methods to examine large-scale, education-related data. The aim of the program is to advance fundamental knowledge of relevance to STEM education policy, foster significant science using education data, promote equity in STEM, and build research capacity in education and learning. Since 1991, this AERA Program has been vital to both research and training at early career stages.

The Grants Program encourages the use of major data sets from multiple and diverse sources. It emphasizes the advanced statistical analysis of data sets from the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and other federal agencies. The program also supports studies using large-scale international data systems (e.g., PISA, PIRLS, or TIMMS) that benefit from U.S. federal government support. In addition, statewide longitudinal administrative data systems (SLDS) enhanced through federal grants are also eligible for consideration. The inclusion of federal or state administrative information that further expands the analytic capacity of the research is permissible. The thrust of the analysis needs to be generalizable to a national, state, or population or a subgroup within the sample that the dataset represents.

The Grants Program is open to field-initiated research and welcomes proposals that:

• develop or benefit from advanced statistical or innovative quantitative methods or measures;
• analyze more than one large-scale national or international federally funded data set, or more than one statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) or incorporate other data enhancements;
• integrate, link, or blend multiple large-scale data sources; or
• undertake replication research of major findings or major studies using large-scale, federally supported or enhanced data.

The Grants Program encourages proposals across the life span and contexts of education and learning of relevance to STEM policy and practice. The research may focus on a wide range of topics, including but not limited to such issues as student achievement in STEM, analysis of STEM education policies, contextual factors in education, educational participation and persistence (pre-kindergarten through graduate school), early childhood education and development, postsecondary education, and the STEM workforce and transitions. Studies that examine issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion across STEM topics and/or for specific racial and ethnic groups, social classes, genders, or persons with disabilities are encouraged.

Award

• Award Component 1 - $27,500 Stipend
• Award Component 2 - AERA Research and Training Conference
• Award Component 3- AERA Annual Meeting Capstone Research Institute

The budget must include funds to attend the AERA Annual Meeting. The funds can be used for research-related expenses such as tuition, living expenses, travel to secure data enclaves or scholarly conferences, books, computer equipment, and other expenses directly related to conducting this research. AERA encourages cost sharing from universities in the form of tuition assistance, office space, university fees, and other expenses.

The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research aims to enhance diversity in education research by supporting doctoral dissertation projects from advanced graduate students belonging to historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. By providing a $25,000 stipend and opportunities for mentorship, the program encourages high-quality research across various educational topics, including STEM education and achievement gaps. This fellowship not only aids in academic development but also fosters the competitiveness of minority scholars in higher education.

The Gerald Kahan Scholar's Prize, awarded by the American Society for Theatre Research, honors the best essay published in English in a refereed scholarly journal or edited collection within the field of theater research. Eligible authors must be untenured and within seven years of their doctorate or enrolled in a doctoral program. The prize includes a $500 honorarium and complimentary registration for the ASTR annual meeting, acknowledging the editor's contribution to scholarship.

The ASTR Translation Prize recognizes the vital contributions of translators in theater and performance studies. It honors an exceptional English translation of works such as plays, performance texts, scholarly books, and articles published in the last calendar year. The award includes a $500 honorarium and free registration to the annual ASTR conference, promoting the importance of translations in enhancing the global theater landscape.

The ASTR Jessica Berson Dance Research Assistance Fund Grant aims to support contingent faculty engaged in dance-based scholarship within theatre. This initiative acknowledges the critical role of non-tenure track faculty and provides them with a $1000 honorarium, conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. The grant encourages research and attendance at the annual ASTR conference, ensuring broader access to resources and professional opportunities for those who often lack institutional support.

The Lamond GenNext Award, provided by the NAMM Foundation, supports students enrolled in college or technical programs related to music and entertainment technology. Awardees receive a $750 stipend and a badge for The NAMM Show, facilitating valuable networking and professional development opportunities. Eligible applicants must be sophomores or higher with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and the application cycle opens on April 21, closing on September 8.

The ASTR Teacher-Researchers Grant supports faculty with heavy teaching loads and limited research resources in theatre studies. This grant fosters scholarly exchange by providing an honorarium of up to $1000, complimentary conference registration, and a one-year ASTR membership. Applications are evaluated based on project feasibility and significance, with additional consideration for those facing institutional research support challenges. This initiative aims to enhance diversity and facilitate meaningful contributions to the field.

The Archaeology of Portugal Fellowship, offered by the Archaeological Institute of America, supports research on the archaeology of Portugal, including its Autonomous Regions. It is open to Portuguese nationals for study in the US and encourages diverse archaeological inquiries. Applicants must provide evidence of citizenship, project plans, and transcripts as needed. The fellowship aligns with AIA's mission to promote archaeological understanding and preserve cultural heritage, fostering appreciation of diverse cultures.

The Kemble Fellowship in Maritime History, offered by The Huntington Library, supports scholars pursuing research in maritime history. This prestigious fellowship provides a stipend of $50,000 for nine to twelve months of residency. Applicants must hold a Ph.D. or have defended their dissertation by the application deadline. The fellowship encourages interdisciplinary exploration within The Huntington's vast collections, focusing on global trade, oceanography, and coastal studies, fostering innovative scholarship in maritime studies.

The Mellon Fellowship at The Huntington Library supports scholars pursuing research relevant to its extensive collections. Offering a $50,000 stipend for nine to twelve months, the fellowship emphasizes continuous residence, participation in a symposium, and weekly working groups. Eligible candidates must hold a Ph.D. or defend their dissertation by the application deadline, with opportunities for international scholars. This fellowship fosters scholarship and creativity, enriching academic inquiry through diverse perspectives.

The Barbara Thom Postdoctoral Fellowships at The Huntington Library support recent Ph.D. graduates revising their dissertations into monographs. With a stipend of $50,000 for nine to twelve months of residency, these fellowships encourage scholarly work in areas aligned with The Huntington's rich collections. Candidates must be nontenured faculty and actively participate in symposiums and working groups, fostering collaboration and innovation in their research endeavors.

The Huntington offers approximately 140 short-term fellowships for one to three months, providing a stipend of $3,500 per month. These fellowships are accessible to scholars across various fields aligned with The Huntington's extensive collections. Accepted applicants include doctoral candidates, master’s students, faculty members, postdoctoral scholars, and independent researchers. The program encourages collaborative proposals and allows applicants to apply for multiple fellowships, fostering a rich academic environment and creative exploration.

The Elizabeth B. Motika Fellowship in Architectural History offers one to two months of financial support for nontraditional scholars researching The Huntington's architectural collections. This fellowship aligns with The Huntington's mission to enhance access to its vast collections, specifically focusing on the Greene and Greene, Wallace Neff, and Florence Yoch collections. Awardees receive $3,500 per month, promoting diverse scholarly inquiry and fostering innovative research in architectural history.

The Alan Jutzi Residential Fellowship supports independent scholars for one to three months of research at The Huntington. With a monthly award of $4,000, it encourages diverse scholarship and creativity. Open to scholars of any nationality, it requires applicants to commit to their fellowship period and articulate their research goals clearly. This fellowship is ideal for those without academic affiliations, fostering transformative educational experiences.

The Thomas W. Wilkins Fellowship, offered by The Huntington Library, aims to promote diversity among scholars utilizing its extensive collections. This fellowship honors the legacy of a dedicated educator and supports research for up to two months with a stipend of $3,500 per month. It encourages independent scholars, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups, to explore topics related to race, gender, disability, and LGBTQ issues, thereby enriching academic discourse and fostering inclusivity.

The AAG Award for Community College Program Excellence honors outstanding non-Ph.D. granting Geography programs in the U.S. It recognizes departments that have significantly enhanced Geography's prominence and reputation. Eligible programs include those offering associate, baccalaureate, or master-level degrees. The award focuses on compelling vision, pedagogical innovation, student mentorship, and promoting diversity. Nominations are carefully evaluated to ensure fair recognition of each program's unique contributions to the discipline.

The Charles Warren Center at Harvard University offers the Summer Travel Grant for Dissertation Research, aimed at supporting Ph.D. candidates in American history. Grants, which can reach up to $3,000, assist with necessary summer travel for dissertation work. Eligible applicants must have passed their general exams and require a letter of support from their dissertation adviser. This program emphasizes historical methodology and is competitive, with limited funding available.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Term Time Research Grant supports Ph.D. candidates in American history, allowing them to conduct focused dissertation research without teaching duties for one semester. Eligible candidates must have passed their general examination, be enrolled as G-6 or below, and employ a historical methodology in their projects. Annually, 6-8 grants are awarded, offering a stipend to aid research efforts, though tuition may not be covered for all candidates.

The Harvard Charles Warren Center Dissertation Completion Grant offers a ten-month stipend for PhD candidates in American history to complete their dissertations without teaching obligations. Eligible applicants must have completed two chapters and be in the G-5 to G-7 stages of their program. This grant covers health insurance and facilities fees, ensuring that students can focus fully on their research without financial distractions.

The Plant Genome Research Program (PGRP) focuses on genome-scale research to tackle vital biological, societal, and economic challenges. It promotes innovative tools and resources for the plant research community to explore significant scientific questions. The program emphasizes high-impact data accessibility and integration while supporting training and career development. PGRP offers two funding tracks: the Research-PGR Track for fundamental biological inquiries and the TRTech-PGR Track for advancements in functional plant genomics.

The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) offers approximately $35 million in federal funding to support housing projects in non-entitlement jurisdictions in California. This initiative aims to assist low-income households by providing affordable housing options. Applications are due by May 22, 2025, while Native American entities can apply until September 24, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Eligible activities must directly benefit low-income renters, homebuyers, or homeowners.

The SAA Native American Undergraduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American students pursuing undergraduate studies in archaeology. With an award of up to $6,000 available annually, this scholarship aims to empower students and promote the preservation of cultural heritage through education and collaboration. It encourages participation from all Native peoples across the Americas, ensuring accessibility and support for educational advancement in the field of archaeology.

The SAA Native American Graduate Archaeology Scholarship, funded by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American graduate students pursuing studies in archaeology. Each year, one scholarship is awarded, providing up to $10,000 to cover tuition, travel, housing, and other educational expenses. This initiative aims to foster collaboration between archaeologists and Native American communities while promoting ethical practices and preservation of cultural heritage.

The Bertha Parker Cody Award, offered by the Society for American Archaeology, supports Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian women pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies in archaeology and museum studies. This scholarship fosters educational advancement and collaboration between archaeologists and Indigenous communities, promoting ethical practices and cultural preservation. Funded in part by the Autry Museum of the American West, it aims to empower diverse voices within the field of archaeology and is available annually.

The Matthew Tobin Cappetta Archaeological Scholarship, offered by the Society for American Archaeology, supports graduate students focusing on the archaeology or ethnoarchaeology of the American Southwest and South American Andes. It covers tuition, course materials, and travel for field studies, encouraging collaboration with Native American communities. The scholarship prioritizes applicants from historically underrepresented groups and is renewable upon reapplication annually, provided students maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.

The Howard Vincent Kurtz Student Engagement Grant, funded by USITT, supports emerging theater artists with financial assistance up to $1,200 for academic costs. Grants cover research, travel, and project completion, along with a complimentary conference registration. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students in theatrical design and technology, nominated by a USITT member. Winners receive mentorship for six months, fostering professional growth and development in the entertainment industry.

The Elliott Antokoletz Fund supports doctoral and post-doctoral research in twentieth-century music, honoring the legacy of esteemed scholar Elliott Antokoletz. It is open to Ph.D. students and recent graduates from North American universities, with an award range of $500 to $5000. Preference is given to applicants from institutions lacking financial support for musicological research. This initiative promotes creativity through music-centered research, ensuring equity and inclusion in the academic study of music.