The program enables researchers to engage in a year of postdoctoral research and scholarship while working with a qualified mentor at an institution of higher education. Minority researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. Exceptions may be made for applicants who choose to work with a mentor who is not affiliated with a school or department of education. However, the mentor must conduct quantitative research in education policy. Applicants may hold doctoral degrees in education, science, mathematics, statistics, sociology, economics, psychology, etc.
Interdisciplinary research is encouraged.
The research conducted must be quantitative in nature, using large-scale, nationally or internationally representative data sets for education policy research. Researchers must utilize at least one NSF or NCES data set in the study. Additional large-scale nationally or internationally representative data sets may be used in conjunction with the obligatory NSF or NCES data set. If international data sets are used, the study must include U.S. education. Applicants must be familiar with the data set they plan to use in their study and must show that the data set can be used to address the proposed research questions.