Early Career Award

The AEFP Early Career Award recognizes junior scholars with exemplary early career trajectories (typically between 4 and 7 years post-doctorate) whose research substantially contributes to the field of education finance and policy. 

Eligibility 

The intent of the Early Career award is to recognize outstanding pre-tenure/unpromoted faculty or non-academic researchers at an equivalent stage in their careers. Individuals who received their doctoral degree from an accredited higher education institution between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019 are eligible to apply. Dates may be extended for those who have taken family, medical, or service leave or have other extenuating circumstances.

Selection Criteria 


Selection criteria include quality and policy relevance of scholarship, including the impact of the scholarship on actual policy. In addition, the award committee will look favorably on nominees with a history of engagement in AEFP. 

Award

The winner will receive a $1,000 award and a plaque presented at the annual AEFP conference.

Award recipients will be expected to attend the 2024 AEFP annual conference to receive the award and present their research in an Award Winners session. 

Submission Process & Nominations 

We encourage early career scholars to apply directly by submitting the application materials listed below before the deadline. It is not necessary to be nominated by someone else. AEFP members, senior scholars, and others may nominate colleagues for the award by clicking this link. Nominations require only the nominee’s name and institution. The awards committee will follow-up by email to encourage the nominee to submit the required application materials. To the extent possible, nominators will remain anonymous to the nominee.

Submission Requirements 

Applications must include:
  • CV
  • A short statement prepared by the applicant addressing the selection criteria (1-page maximum) 
Application Deadline: 
December 31, 2023

Application Form

Nomination Form