BRIDGE Webinar Series

We are excited to launch BRIDGE: Boosting Research In a Dynamic Governing Environment—a new webinar series designed to support the education research community during this period of rapid change in federal funding.



BRIDGE is a collaborative initiative of Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP), American Educational Research Association (AERA), Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM), National Council on Measurement in Education (NCME), and Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE).

The series will offer timely, actionable resources and conversations on key topics, including emerging career paths for education researchers, innovative approaches to funding, and effective strategies for partnering with state and district policymakers.

Check back here or our event calendar for updated information about future webinars.

BRIDGE webinars will be recorded and posted to YouTube.
 


 
Title: Navigating Uncertainty in Policy Research Grants & Funding in the US: Trends, Challenges, & the Future
Date and Time: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 3:00 PM ET
Description: This webinar is built around navigating present uncertainty for policy and related programming research grants and funding in the United States. It aims to bring together stakeholders such as donors, grantmaking experts, scholars, and advocates to discuss federal and private research funding trends, institutional and researcher challenges in securing/maintaining grant support, and adaptive strategies to these ends. 
 
Speakers:
Aixa Cintrón-Vélez, Russell Sage Foundation
G.R. Love, Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC)
Tina Fletcher, Walton Family Foundation
Joseph McNicholas, Duke University 
Tafadzwa Tivaringe, Spencer Foundation
Elliot Emmer, University of California, Riverside 

Moderator: Paula Omokhomion, University of California, Riverside

Click here to register.

Title: Applying to Dissertation Fellowships
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 12:00-1:30 PM ET
Description: Whether you are just beginning to explore fellowship opportunities or preparing to submit your application this fall, this session will offer valuable guidance to strengthen your chances of success. Join experienced fellowship reviewers and recent award recipients as they share practical insights to help you craft a strong application.

We will cover:
  • How to frame your research proposal for a broad review
  • What reviewers look for in successful applications
  • Advice from recent fellows on navigating the process
Moderator:
Michal Kurlaender, President, Association for Education Finance & Policy and Professor of Education Policy, University of California Davis

Panelists:
Todd Madison Hall, Quantitative Research Scientist, Gibson Consulting Group; 2024 AERA-NSF Dissertation Fellow
Jane Arnold Lincove, Professor of Public Policy, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Jaime Ramirez-Mendoza, PhD Candidate, Education Policy, University of California Davis; 2025 NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellow
George Wimberly, Director of Professional Development, American Educational Research Association

Dissertation fellowships to consider: 
NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship - due October 2, 2025
AERA Dissertation Grant - due October 6, 2025

Click here to watch the recording.

 
Title: Breaking into Education Consulting: Exploring Independent Career Paths
Date and Time: Thursday, June 12, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM ET
Description: Curious about what it takes to build a successful career as an independent education consultant? In this session, panelists will share practical advice for researchers considering this path. Whether you're exploring a full-time pivot or side opportunities, this conversation will offer insights into the opportunities and challenges of going independent.

The webinar is free and open to the public. You do not need to be a member to register. The webinar will be recorded. 
 
Moderator:
Dominique Baker, Associate Professor, University of Delaware

Panelists:
Jessica Taylor, Program Officer in US Programs, American Council of Learned Societies
Derisa Grant, Founder, Grant Educational Consulting, LLC
Satra D. Taylor, Principal, P&J Flo. Consulting, LLC and Doctoral Student, University of Maryland, College Park  
Carolyn Sloane Mata, Founder, CM Education Insights & Solutions

Click here to watch the recording.