ABOUT THE YOUNG SCHOLARS PROGRAM
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) supports scholarship for early-career researchers. The program funds research projects that aim to clarify how, why, and for whom policies, programs, and practices support the early care and education (ECE) workforce and shape children’s early learning experiences and well-being in early childhood, defined as birth through age eight.
Diversity is an asset for building a strong and productive society. The Foundation is committed to diversity and equity in our work 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 poverty, racism, xenophobia, prejudice, and discrimination. Such groups include, but are not limited to, researchers of color, first-generation college graduates, and researchers from low-income communities and/or immigrant families
- Scholars who represent a variety of disciplines and methodological approaches
For more information, please download the complete 2025 YSP Guidelines and review the YSP FAQs.
RESEARCH FOCUS
The Foundation believes that a deeper understanding of the role of ECE professionals in enhancing young children’s early learning experiences can ultimately improve the chances for all children to reach their full potential.
Proposals must be relevant to the Foundation’s interest in implementation research to support the capacity and status of the ECE workforce. Studies may encompass descriptive, experimental, or measurement-focused approaches. While the Foundation values research with implications for policy or practice, it does not anticipate that the outcomes of any individual project will directly influence policy or practice. Additionally, research that builds from the interests and priorities of the communities, educators, or families who are engaged in the research is highly valued.
Scholars will become part of a growing network of researchers whose work has the potential to strengthen the ECE workforce and improve the quality of services provided to young children and their families.
For more information on YSP’s research focus, please refer to the 2025 YSP Guidelines, Section II. Research Focus.
ELIGIBILITY
Principal Investigators must have received their terminal doctoral degree (e.g., Ph.D., Ed.D., Psy.D., J.D., M.D.) within 10 years of submitting their applications to the program. In medicine, the date of the completion of the first residency is used for this calculation.
The affiliated nonprofit institution/organization must have a minimum operating budget of $2.5 million and a minimum three-year track record in conducting multi-year research projects.
For additional eligibility criteria and more information about applying to YSP, you may review the previous program application cycle 2025 YSP Guidelines, Section IV. Eligibility.
HOW TO APPLY
The first step in submitting the Letter of Intent (LOI) is to create an account through the grants management system. Once logged into the system, the Principal Investigator (PI), as the applicant, should use their name and email address to set up an account. Use the access code “2025YSP” to complete and submit the 2025 YSP LOI form. YSP is an open competition; applicants do not need to be nominated to apply.
Additional resources to assist with the application process include:
- Mentor/Mentee Checklist
A resource to help applicants and mentors develop clear parameters regarding the roles and responsibilities of the mentor/mentee during the application process - Institutional Checklist
A resource tool for applicants to use in communicating the administrative application requirements with their institution or organization
TIMELINE
April 2024
Call for Call for Proposals for 2025 YSP opens
June 2024
LOI Deadline, June 3, 2024, 11:59 PM ET
August 2024
Notification of LOI status and invitations to submit a Full Application
October 2024
Full Application Deadline, October 15, 2024, 11:59 PM ET
March/April 2025
Notification of grant awards
Questions?
Contact us via email at ysp@fcd-us.org.