Diversify Quality Education Research with Diverse Educators

IES Announces Grants to Diversify Education Research Field

These are the first grants awarded under the new IES Pathways to the Education Sciences Research Training Program. The Pathways program was launched in 2015 to increase the number of students who are prepared to pursue doctoral study in the education sciences, including those who are racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, economically disadvantaged, veterans, and students with disabilities. The goal of the Pathways program is to create a pipeline of education researchers who will bring new perspectives and help strengthen the education sciences.

The Pathways training program grant competition requires the participation of a Minority Serving Institution, which is defined as a college or university that serves a significant percentage of students who are from racial or ethnic minority groups. Three of the awardees are partnering or collaborating with other institutions on their program.

Participating students will gain hands-on education research experience through a research apprenticeship under the supervision of faculty mentors. Participants also will develop their knowledge of research methods and will receive assistance in career development. Those who complete a Pathways training program should be prepared to enter a doctoral program in which they can pursue a future career in education research.

IES currently is accepting applications for the next round of Pathways training grants as part of its Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 competition.

The 2016 Pathways to the Education Science Research Training Program Grantees are:

• The University of Arizona, $1,073,276, to begin the Access, Wellness, and Relational Determinants of School Success (AWARDSS) training program. Partner institution: University of Arizona South;

• North Carolina Central University (NCCU), $1,116, 985, to launch the new Research Institute for Scholars of Equity (RISE). Partner institutions: Duke University and University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Collaborating institutions: University of Pittsburgh, University of South Carolina, University of New Mexico, and the New School for Social Research;

• The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), $1,116,895, to offer up to 48 one-year fellowships in its Educational Research Training Program. Collaborating institutions: Educational Testing Services, Stanford University, and St. Philip’s College; and

• California State University, Sacramento (also known as Sacramento State University), $895,326, to offer up to 60 one-year fellowships under the theme “Pathways: Successful Transitions To and Through Higher Education.”