Division 15 invites proposals for educational psychology research projects that have direct implications for education policy. We will consider proposals from different theoretical and methodological perspectives, and we encourage scholars with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to apply. Proposals should address timely education policy issues.
Proposal Requirements
Qualifications
All principal investigators must hold a doctorate and must be fellows, members, associates, or affiliates of APA Division 15. Individuals who are not currently APA or Division 15 members should consult the Division 15 website on how to become a member at www.apadiv15.org/join.
Doctoral candidates can serve as co-principal investigators (i.e., they are welcome to apply as collaborators of scholars with conferred doctoral degrees). Applications will be considered from individuals working in educational organizations (e.g., higher education institutions, school districts), advocacy organizations, policy and research centers, or other organizations that include a research ethics committee and can administer the funds.
Monetary Award
The grant program will fund multiple grants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 dependent on annual division allocations. Funds are awarded in one lump sum to the recipient’s institution. The institution must agree to be responsible for administering the funds and accounting to the IRS. These funds cannot be used to pay indirect costs; funds are only provided for direct costs associated with conducting the research. As an example, funds may be used to pay for research assistant time, technology tools directly related to the research activities, participant incentives, and for travel to the APA conference. Funds may not be used for salary or stipends, APA Division 15 membership, or fees/travel to non-APA affiliated meetings or conferences.
What to Submit
- A Title Page with the title of the research proposal, author name(s), institution(s), address(es), email address(es), and abstract (150-200 words).
- A Blinded Project Narrative of up to 2000 words describing the proposed research, structured with the following sections:
- Statement of the Problem: Describe the problem that the research will attempt to address and the population that will benefit.
- Theoretical Framework: Explain the theoretical basis for this research.
- Research Question(s): State the research question(s) and describe how they align with the call for proposals.
- Research Design: Describe the research design, demonstrating how it is appropriate for the proposed project and aligned with the research question(s).
- Policy Relevance: Explain the potential for this project to impact stakeholders and policy decision-makers.
- The references, tables (up to 2) and/or figures (up to 2) are not counted toward the word limit.
- Make sure to remove authors’ names in the project narrative.
- A 1-page Budget outlining how the money will be spent and justification for why the funds are needed.
- A Timeline that includes the start and end dates of the project, as well as key project events and milestones including a plan for disseminating your work. Include ideas for engaging with the community your research might impact (e.g., schools districts, community-based organizations, legislators).
- A Current CV for each author listed, including date of conferral of doctoral degree (or date of expected graduation).
- A Letter of Support from your institution, indicating the institution’s capacity to administer the funds (if awarded) and acknowledging the grant will not pay any indirect costs.
Criteria and Obligations
Members of the APA Division 15 Policy Committee will blind review submissions. Proposals must be submitted by February 2, 2024. Project end dates should be no later than December 1, 2025.
Proposals will be evaluated using a 3-point scale (i.e., 0 – Does Not Meet Criteria; 1 – Meets Criteria; 2 – Exceptional) using the criteria below:
- Research focus is clear and aligns with the call for proposals.
- The theoretical framework is clearly explained and appropriate for the goals of the proposed project.
- Research question(s) are clearly stated and aligned with the call for proposals.
- Research design is appropriate for the proposed project and aligned with the research question(s).
- Budget is identified and includes appropriate justifications for the use of funds.
- A timeline is identified and appropriate for the proposed project.
- The dissemination plan is well thought out and appropriate.
- The roles of a specific educational policy or practice are described.
- A pressing issue in education is addressed.
- The research findings have the potential to meaningfully contribute to the field of educational psychology.
Awardees will be expected to:
- Submit a one-page final report at the end of the proposed project.
- Acknowledgement of Division 15 in any presentations or publications that result from this funding.
Research Grant Opportunity Timeline 2023-2024
- February 2, 2024 – Deadline for proposal submission.
- March 1, 2024 – Selections are finalized, and authors are notified.
- December 1, 2025 – Project completion deadline
Please submit your proposal here: https://forms.gle/v1UjYkdAhPy5qcnw9
Questions? Please contact Dr. Diana Zaleski, [email protected]