William T. Grant Scholars Program

William T. Grant Scholars Program Overview: Purpose: The William T. Grant Scholars Program supports early-career researchers in expanding their expertise through innovative research and mentoring plans. Awards: Each Scholar receives $350,000 over five years, beginning July 1, to fund their research and career development. Focus Areas: Reducing Inequality: Research should focus on programs, policies, or practices aimed at reducing inequality among young people aged 5-25 in the United States. Improving the Use of Research Evidence: Studies should explore strategies to enhance the use of research evidence in shaping youth-serving systems in the United States. Eligibility: Applicants must be nominated by their institutions and have received their terminal degree within seven years. They should demonstrate potential to become influential researchers and propose how the award will expand their expertise significantly. Selection Criteria: Applicant's potential to conduct sophisticated research and expand expertise. Research plans align with Foundation's focus areas, demonstrate theoretical and empirical contributions, and reflect high standards of evidence and rigorous methods. Application Review Process: Applications are screened and reviewed by the Scholars Selection Committee, with finalists invited for interviews in February 2025. Final selection of three to six Scholars is made by the Selection Committee, with notifications sent by the end of March 2025. Capacity Building: Annual summer retreats and workshops support Scholars' career development, fostering a supportive environment for skills enhancement and project discussion. In years one through three, Scholars can apply for additional awards to mentor junior researchers of color, aiming to strengthen mentoring relationships and promote diversity in academia. Key Goals: Support promising early-career researchers in expanding expertise and conducting impactful research. Foster a community of Scholars dedicated to reducing inequality and improving the use of research evidence in policy and practice affecting young people in the United States.