William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026: $425K Funding, Eligibility & Application Guide
The William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026 offers early-career researchers a chance to win $425,000 over five years. This funding helps studies that improve life for youth ages 5 to 25 in the United States. If you hold a recent doctorate and work in a tenure-track role, this program could boost your career with money, mentors, and training.
About the William T. Grant Scholars Program
This program picks 4 to 6 scholars each year. It focuses on high-quality research, new skills across fields, and long-term growth. Scholars get help from top experts and join a network of peers. The goal is to create studies that matter for young people facing real-world issues.
Funding and Benefits
Scholars receive $425,000 paid to their school or group over five years. This cash supports a full research plan and mentor work. It adds to what the school already gives, not replaces it. Other perks include yearly meetings, skill workshops, and a strong support group.
Focus Areas of Research
All projects must fit one of two main topics.
Reducing Inequality
This area looks at ways to cut gaps in school success, social skills, behavior, or money results. It covers differences by race, income, gender, LGBTQ+ status, immigration, or language. The program wants work on big problems like racism in systems.
Improving the Use of Research Evidence
Here, studies explore how to get research into choices by leaders, schools, or communities. Questions cover better use in policy, helpful systems, and links to better youth results.
Eligibility Criteria
Schools or nonprofits that are tax-exempt can apply. You need a doctorate from the last seven years and a steady job like tenure-track. Your school must nominate you, and you should show past strong research. People from other countries can apply if the work targets U.S. youth.
Application Requirements
Submit a research plan that matches the focus areas. Add a mentor plan with one or two guides. Include your CV, school nomination, and recommendation letters. Also send an abstract, past papers, and details on methods.
Selection Criteria
Judges check your skills first: past work, publications, and growth promise. The research plan needs solid methods, real-world fit, and fresh ideas. Mentors must be top experts with clear plans. Your school shows support through resources.
Application Timeline
Applications started on March 27, 2026. Letters of reference are due June 10, 2026. Full apps end June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. Winners learn in March 2027.
Selection Process
Staff screen first. A committee reviews, then picks about 10 finalists for New York interviews. They choose 4 to 6 scholars at the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding is available?
Each scholar gets $425,000 over five years.
Can people from outside the U.S. apply?
Yes, if the research is about U.S. youth.
How many people get picked?
About 4 to 6 each year.
Do you need school backing?
Yes, your institution must nominate you.
What career stage fits?
Early-career, within seven years of your PhD.
Is mentoring part of it?
Yes, it’s a key part.
Can it fund postdoc work?
No, not for postdoctoral spots.
What research types work best?
Studies on cutting inequality or better use of evidence for youth.
Which fields count?
All fields are open.
How tough is it to win?
Very tough, with few spots each year.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding does each scholar receive?
Each scholar gets $425,000 over five years, paid to their institution to support research and mentoring.
What are the two main research focus areas?
The areas are reducing inequality in youth outcomes and improving how research evidence is used by leaders and communities.
Who can apply for the program?
Early-career researchers with a doctorate from the last seven years in a tenure-track role, nominated by their school or nonprofit.
When is the application deadline?
Full applications are due June 30, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST, with winners announced in March 2027.