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Our COVID-19 Response
for the Young Scholars Program
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Given the potential impact of the COVID-19 crisis on prospective young scholars, we are sharing how the Foundation is being responsive during the current 2021 Young Scholars Program application. Initially, the Foundation extended the YSP deadlines for both the Letter of Intent (LOI) and the Full Application stages to provide additional time for applicants to work on their submissions.
The Foundation will also provide temporary flexibility related to the eligibility requirement for full-time employment during the application process. At the time of the LOI submission deadline and, if invited, at the Full-Application deadline, applicants whose full-time employment has been affected by the COVID-19 crisis may still submit research proposals for YSP.
- The Foundation will accept submissions from scholars who have experienced a loss of employment and/or who are navigating a challenging market for employment.
- Full-time employment at an eligible host institution must be secured by January 2021 when YSP semifinalists are determined.
Due to our own federal oversight for YSP, the Foundation is not able to waive the employment and host institution requirements in perpetuity. This temporary flexibility allows additional time for potential applicants to obtain employment during the YSP 2021 application process.
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Watch the May 7th LOI Webinar
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The LOI webinar offers detailed information about YSP's research focus on strengthening the early care and education workforce and reviews the LOI requirements and process.
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2021 Young Scholars Program Call for Proposals
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YSP supports scholarship for early career researchers. The program funds implementation research that is policy- and practice-relevant, and that examines the preparation, competency, compensation, well-being, and ongoing professional learning of the early care and education (ECE) workforce. Research awards are up to $225,000 for primary research and up to $180,000 for secondary data analysis.
Research Focus
All proposed research must have primary questions that are relevant to the ECE workforce. All proposed research questions must support scientific inquiry into the implementation of specific ECE programs, policies, or practices. Implementation research provides the opportunity to engage in meaningful exploration of what works (or not), for whom, and under what conditions. Finally, all supported research must have a clear connection to policies and practices that have the potential to result in a positive impact on the ECE workforce and on the young children in YSP’s priority populations.
Who Should Apply?
YSP is an open competition; applicants need not be nominated to apply. The Foundation regards diversity as an asset for building a strong and productive society and is committed to diversity and equity in scholarship and through our grantees. To increase the diversity of research perspectives, the Foundation encourages applications from:
- Scholars who are from underrepresented groups that have historically experienced economic instability and social exclusion, including, but not limited to: researchers of color, first-generation college graduates, culturally and linguistically diverse scholars, and researchers from low-income communities
- Scholars who represent a variety of disciplines and methodological approaches
Interested applicants must have received their doctoral degrees (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D., J.D., etc.) between January 1, 2011 and June 30, 2019. Applicants with medical degrees must have received their M.D. degrees between January 1, 2008 and June 30, 2019.
How to Apply
Additional information on the research focus, eligibility criteria, application timeline, and how to apply can be found here.
Questions?
Please send all questions about the application process or online system to [email protected].
LOI Deadline: Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 8PM EST (7PM CST / 6PM MST / 5PM PST).
We look forward to receiving your application!
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Our 2020 YSP awardees join a growing network of scholars whose policy- and practice-relevant research focuses on strengthening the early care and education workforce and improving children’s well-being.
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ABOUT US Research, policy and practice—we connect these pieces to help build early childhood systems that enable children to reach their full potential. Founded in 1900, the Foundation for Child Development identifies needs, fills gaps and integrates knowledge for successful implementation and continuous improvement. Learn more about our focus areas and download resources by clicking these links.
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