The Spencer Foundation has announced a call for applications for its Vision Grants Program, aimed at fostering innovative research that addresses long-standing inequities in education. With a deadline set for February 11, 2025, this initiative seeks to empower scholars and practitioners to collaborate on transformative research projects that promote equity in educational systems.
Key Takeaways
- Funding Amount: $75,000 per grant
- Grant Duration: 6 to 12 months
- Eligibility: Open to scholars with appropriate experience or terminal degrees
- Focus Areas: Youth civic engagement, educator preparation, and assessment of learning skills
Overview of the Vision Grants Program
The Vision Grants Program is designed to support large-scale research projects that aim to disrupt inequities in education. The Spencer Foundation emphasizes the importance of addressing real-world challenges and opportunities within educational systems. By providing funding and resources, the program encourages teams to develop comprehensive research plans that can lead to systemic change.
Objectives of the Program
The primary objectives of the Vision Grants include:
- Research Planning: Teams will have 6 to 12 months to collaboratively develop ambitious research proposals.
- Focus on Equity: Projects must address key challenges and opportunities that can enhance equity in education.
- Collaborative Approach: Proposals should involve equitable partnerships with practitioners, policymakers, and communities.
Funding Information
Each Vision Grant will provide a total of $75,000, with two cycles of funding available annually. The grants are intended for planning research projects that can lead to significant advancements in educational equity.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for a Vision Grant, the following criteria must be met:
- Principal Investigators (PIs): Must have an earned doctorate or terminal degree in a relevant field.
- Affiliation: PIs must be affiliated with a non-profit organization or public institution that can administer the grant.
- Team Composition: Graduate students can be part of the research team but cannot be named as PIs or Co-PIs.
- Geographic Scope: Proposals are accepted from both U.S. and international applicants, but must be submitted in English and budgeted in U.S. dollars.
Ineligibility Criteria
- PIs and Co-PIs cannot be involved in more than one Vision Grant proposal at a time, whether funded or under review.
Focus Areas for Proposals
While the program invites a wide range of topics, it particularly encourages proposals that focus on:
- Youth Civic Engagement: Research that explores how youth can engage in civic activities to promote systems transformation for equity.
- Educator Preparation: New avenues of research that examine teaching methods and educator training aimed at fostering equity.
- Assessment of Learning: Innovative approaches to measuring and assessing a broad range of skills and experiences that contribute to effective learning.
Conclusion
The Spencer Foundation’s Vision Grants Program represents a significant opportunity for researchers and practitioners to collaborate on projects that can lead to meaningful change in educational systems. By addressing the critical need for equity-focused research, this initiative aims to create a more just and equitable educational landscape for all.
