Imagine securing $425,000 over five years to fund your research on improving youth outcomes in the U.S. The William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026 offers early-career researchers this chance. It supports bold studies that make a real difference for young people aged 5 to 25.
About the William T. Grant Scholars Program
This program acts as a career development award. It funds research and provides mentorship, professional growth, and connections to other experts. Each year, it selects just 4 to 6 scholars from a large pool of applicants.
The focus stays on high-quality research. It encourages learning across fields and long-term career building. Scholars join annual retreats, workshops, and training to strengthen their work.
Funding and Benefits
Scholars receive $425,000 over five years. The money goes to their institution to support a full research and mentoring plan. It builds on, rather than replaces, current institutional aid.
Other perks include guidance from top mentors and entry to a strong network. This setup helps researchers grow and tackle big challenges in youth policy and practice.
Focus Areas of Research
All proposals must fit one of two main areas.
Reducing Inequality
This area looks at policies, programs, or practices that cut inequality. Studies cover academic, social, behavioral, or economic results. They address gaps by race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, sexual identity, immigration, or language.
The program seeks work on systemic racism and structural issues that affect youth.
Improving the Use of Research Evidence
Here, research explores how to make evidence shape decisions better. It targets policymakers, institutions, and community leaders in youth systems. Questions include how to apply research in policy, what supports its use, and how it leads to better youth outcomes.
Eligibility Criteria
Organizations must be tax-exempt, like universities or nonprofits. Applicants need a doctoral degree from the last seven years. They must hold a career-ladder position, such as tenure-track.
Institutions nominate candidates. Applicants show a solid research history. Those from outside the U.S. can apply if their work centers on U.S. youth.
Application Requirements
Submit a research proposal tied to the focus areas. Include a mentoring plan with one or two mentors. Add your CV, institutional nomination, and recommendation letters.
Other items cover an abstract, past publications, and detailed plans for research and analysis.
Selection Criteria
Reviewers check applicant strength first. They look for potential as a top researcher, quality publications, and skill to branch into new areas.
The research plan must align with focus areas, use solid methods, and offer clear contributions to policy. The mentoring plan needs strong mentors and clear goals. Institutional support must match the research aims.
Application Timeline
Applications opened on March 27, 2026. Reference letters are due June 10, 2026. The full deadline is June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. Final picks happen in March 2027.
Download guidelines from the foundation site. Apply through their portal.
Selection Process
Staff screen entries first. A committee reviews them. About 10 finalists get shortlisted for interviews in New York City. Then, 4 to 6 scholars are chosen.
Why Apply to the William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026
Early-career researchers gain career boosts through this program. It funds policy-relevant studies on youth. Mentorship and development help build lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
Each scholar gets $425,000 over five years.
Can people from other countries apply?
Yes, as long as the research targets U.S. youth.
How many scholars are picked each year?
About 4 to 6.
Is institutional nomination required?
Yes, applicants need it.
What career stage fits?
Early-career, within seven years of a doctorate.
Does it include mentorship?
Yes, it’s a key part.
Can it fund postdoctoral work?
No, it does not support fellowships.
What research types are welcome?
Studies on reducing inequality or better use of evidence in youth systems.
Are all fields open?
Yes, any discipline works.
How tough is it to get in?
Very competitive, with few spots.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does the program offer?
Each scholar receives $425,000 over five years to support research and mentoring.
What are the two main focus areas?
The areas are reducing inequality for youth and improving the use of research evidence in youth systems.
Who can apply for the program?
Early-career researchers with a doctoral degree from the last seven years and institutional nomination.
When is the application deadline?
Full applications are due June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST.
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