The National Academy of Education/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowship supports 25 early-career scholars annually who are conducting postdoctoral research in critical areas of education. The fellowship provides $70,000 for one academic year, distributed in two installments, and is non-residential, allowing fellows to work at their home institution or another arranged research site. Fellows also participate in three professional development retreats and are matched with an NAEd member mentor. The application opens August 1, 2026, with a fall 2026 deadline.
- Career stagePostdoctoral
- DegreePhD
- Degree requirementHave received their PhD, EdD, or equivalent research degree between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2025.
- Career stage requirementNot hold tenure status at the time of the application deadline.
- OtherHave a demonstrated record of research experience in education and the project must be in education research.
- OtherNot hold tenure status at the time of the application deadline.
- Prior award exclusionFellows may not hold a separate grant from the Spencer Foundation during their fellowship period.
- Degree notesHave received their PhD, EdD, or equivalent research degree
- Employment statusNot hold tenure status at the time of the application deadline.
- Affiliation notesNo, you do not need to be affiliated with an institution.
- Stipend$70,000
- ComponentsStipend: $70,000/year
- TravelNot provided
- AccommodationNot provided
- CycleAnnual
- StatusOpen
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