F: Doctoral Fellowship

Overview

In summer 2026, as part of its Gueron Scholars Program, MDRC, teaming up with The Policy Academies, will offer up to two virtual paid fellowships to doctoral candidates who are pursuing independent, self‑directed research on economic, educational, or social problems affecting Americans with low incomes. The goal of the fellowship is to provide opportunities for doctoral students to gain exposure to social policy research and professional networks, understand employment options beyond the academic and public sectors, and access the advice and support of MDRC’s staff in completing their dissertations.

Applications are open to all interested doctoral students.

MDRC has created this special financial assistance program for students enrolled in doctoral programs in child welfare, criminal justice, economics, education policy, family relations, psychology, social policy sociology, or related fields that align with our project work.

Eligible fields are:

• Child Welfare
• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• Education Policy
• Family Relations
• Psychology
• Social Policy Sociology
• Related fields that align with our projects

Policy areas of focus include:

• Economic Mobility, Housing, and Communities
• Family Well‑Being and Children’s Development
• K‑12 Education
• Postsecondary Education
• Youth Development, Criminal Justice, and Employment

• Dedicate the necessary time and effort to complete all onboarding activities.
• Develop specific milestones to make progress on their doctoral dissertation and work in good faith to complete dissertation research activities outlined in the fellowship application.
• Engage in the intellectual life of MDRC by attending relevant meetings, seminars, and professional networking sessions.
• Interact with MDRC research staff with expertise relevant to their dissertation research.
• Present their research to the MDRC community.

• Must be enrolled and in good academic standing in a doctoral program in criminal justice, economics, education policy, political science, psychology, social policy, sociology, or related fields. Students specializing in data science for social good are also encouraged to apply.
• Must use qualitative or quantitative research methods in their dissertation.
• Must have a dissertation proposal or prospectus that addresses a policy‑relevant question approved by the applicant’s academic department and, if applicable, by their university’s Institutional Review Board.

Applications are due by 11:59 pm (ET) on Monday, January 12, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed. The application review process will begin after the deadline. Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. Please see What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process for more information.

• A curriculum vitae or résumé, including relevant academic and work experience.
• A personal statement (up to two single‑spaced pages) addressing:
  • Interest in social policy issues and research.
  • Immediate career interests and goals after graduating.
  • How the fellowship, coupled with academic pursuits and/or prior experiences, will contribute to professional growth.
  • How background, academic studies, and life experience have impacted professional pursuits and why they make a strong candidate.
• A proposal (up to 2,000 words) discussing the rationale for the dissertation research you plan to pursue during the fellowship period. Include:
  • Statement of the research question.
  • Data you will be using.
  • Analytic approach and its relevance to social policy.
  • Steps to take during the fellowship to complete the project.
  • Belief that the fellowship will aid in meeting research goals.
• An unofficial copy of graduate school transcript(s) documenting status as a registered student in good standing.
• A letter from the academic department or registrar confirming that the dissertation proposal or prospectus has been approved by the academic department, and, if applicable, proof of Institutional Review Board approval.
• Two letters of recommendation, one from dissertation chairperson.…