The William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026 offers early-career researchers a chance to win $425,000 over five years. This grant supports studies that help young people aged 5 to 25 in the United States. If you have a strong research background and fresh ideas, this could boost your career.
About the William T. Grant Scholars Program
This program picks 4 to 6 scholars each year. It funds high-quality research on youth issues. Scholars also get mentorship, training, and a network of experts. The goal is to help researchers grow and make real changes for kids and teens.
The program acts as a career development award. It pushes scholars to learn new skills and work across fields. Research must focus on U.S. youth outcomes.
Funding and Benefits
Scholars receive $425,000 for five years. The money goes to their institution to support research and mentoring. It adds to what the school already provides, not replaces it.
Other perks include annual retreats and workshops. Mentors guide the work. This setup helps build long-term success in research.
Focus Areas of Research
Proposals must fit one of two main areas.
Reducing Inequality
This area looks at ways to cut gaps in youth outcomes. Topics include race, income, gender, or immigration status. Studies can cover school success, behavior, or money issues. The program favors work on systemic racism and deep-rooted problems.
Improving the Use of Research Evidence
Here, research explores how to get studies into real-world use. It targets leaders in policy, schools, or communities. Questions cover better systems for evidence and links to better youth results.
Eligibility Criteria
You need a doctoral degree from the last seven years. Hold a tenure-track job or similar. Your school must nominate you. Show a solid record of publications.
Outside-U.S. applicants can join if research targets American youth. Only tax-exempt groups like universities qualify.
Application Requirements
Submit a research plan that matches the focus areas. Include a mentoring plan with one or two mentors. Add your CV, school nomination, and recommendation letters.
Other items are an abstract, past work samples, and detailed methods.
Selection Criteria
Judges check your potential as a top researcher. They review your publications and growth plans. The research idea must be strong, doable, and useful for policy.
Mentoring plans need clear goals and skilled guides. Schools must commit resources.
Application Timeline
Applications opened on March 27, 2026. Reference letters are due June 10, 2026. Full applications close June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. Winners learn in March 2027.
Selection Process
Staff screen first. A committee reviews next. About 10 finalists get interviews in New York City. Then, 4 to 6 scholars are chosen.
Why Apply to the William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026
This grant lets you lead big studies on youth. Gain top mentors and skills. Join a group that shapes policy. Early-career researchers ready for impact will find it rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026?
Early-career researchers with a doctoral degree from the last seven years, a tenure-track job or equivalent, and institutional nomination targeting U.S. youth.
What funding does the program offer?
Scholars receive $425,000 over five years, plus mentorship, training, retreats, and networking support.
What are the two main research focus areas?
Reducing inequality in youth outcomes related to race, income, or other factors, or improving how research evidence is used by policymakers and practitioners.
What is the application deadline for 2026?
Reference letters are due June 10, 2026, and full applications close June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
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