Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The William T. Grant Scholars Program supports early-career researchers with five-year research and mentoring plans focused on reducing youth inequality in the U.S. Scholars receive up to $425,000 over five years, enabling innovative research on policies, programs, or practices that improve outcomes for young people aged 5–25 across social, behavioral, academic, and economic dimensions.
Programme Overview
The William T. Grant Scholars Program funds early-career researchers to:
- Investigate programs, policies, and practices aimed at improving youth outcomes
- Examine systemic inequality related to race, ethnicity, economic status, sexual/gender identity, language background, and immigrant origins
- Understand mechanisms of change and address structural barriers, including systemic racism
The program combines financial support, mentorship, and access to a collaborative research community to help scholars expand their expertise and pursue innovative approaches with policy and practice impact.
Grant Details
- Award Amount: $425,000 over five years (including indirect costs)
- Number of Scholars Selected: 4–6 per year
- Duration: 5 years
- Purpose: Support research that strengthens expertise, encourages methodological or content innovation, and advances solutions to youth inequality in the U.S.
Who is Eligible?
- Applicants must be nominated by their institution, with one nominee per major division per year
- Doctorate received within the past seven years
- Hold a career-ladder research position supporting advancement in an academic or research career
- Proposed research must have clear relevance for U.S. youth
- Early-career scholars from under-represented institutions are strongly encouraged to apply
Programme Objectives
- Advance research on youth inequality by funding innovative studies and mentorship
- Develop early-career researchers’ expertise across new disciplines, methods, or content areas
- Influence policy and practice by generating actionable evidence on programs, policies, or practices affecting youth
- Promote diversity and inclusion in research, encouraging scholars from varied academic and demographic backgrounds
How to Apply
- Obtain institutional nomination from your major division (only one nominee per division per year)
- Prepare a five-year research and mentoring plan demonstrating:
- Innovative approach to addressing youth inequality
- Clear methodology and potential for impact
- Plans for skill and expertise development
- Submit application following the program’s official guidelines and deadlines
- Selected scholars engage with mentorship opportunities and a collaborative academic network
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Potential to become influential researchers in youth inequality studies
- Quality and rigor of prior research work
- Extent to which the award enables meaningful expansion of expertise
- Relevance and impact potential of the proposed research on youth outcomes in the U.S.
Expected Outcomes
- Scholars develop deeper expertise and innovative research methodologies
- Evidence generated informs programs, policies, and practices to reduce youth inequality
- Increased diversity in early-career research addressing systemic barriers and structural inequities
- Enhanced collaboration across disciplines and institutions
Tips for Applicants
- Highlight prior research that demonstrates high-quality output and impact potential
- Focus on novel approaches or interdisciplinary expansion in your proposed five-year plan
- Emphasize potential influence on policy, practice, and youth outcomes in the U.S.
- Consider mentorship and collaboration plans to strengthen your proposal
FAQ
Q1: Who can be nominated?
A1: Early-career researchers nominated by their institution, with one nominee per major division per year.
Q2: What is the award value?
A2: $425,000 over five years, including indirect costs.
Q3: Who is eligible in terms of career stage?
A3: Applicants must have received their doctorate within the last seven years and hold a career-ladder research position.
Q4: Is international eligibility allowed?
A4: Yes, but the research must have implications for U.S. youth.
Q5: Are under-represented institutions encouraged to apply?
A5: Yes, the program encourages applications from scholars at under-represented institutions.
Q6: How many scholars are selected annually?
A6: Typically 4–6 scholars per year.
Q7: What areas of youth inequality does the program address?
A7: Academic, social, behavioral, and economic outcomes across race, ethnicity, economic status, sexual/gender identity, language, and immigrant origins.
Conclusion
The William T. Grant Scholars Program empowers early-career researchers to tackle systemic barriers and youth inequality in the United States. By providing financial support, mentorship, and a collaborative research environment, the program fosters innovative research that informs policy, practice, and long-term positive outcomes for young people.
For more information, visit William T. Grant Foundation.