Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center for Education Research (NCER): Research Training Programs in The Education Sciences, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305B
🏛 Department of Education (ED)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 3, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for researchers and research institutions seeking to conduct education research or develop research training capacity.
The Early Career program supports early-career investigators at institutions of higher education or non-academic research organizations. Eligible institutions include nonprofit and for-profit organizations, colleges, universities, and public and private agencies. Applicants must be located in the territorial United States and have capacity to conduct rigorous education research.
The Methods Training program funds training to enhance research and analysis skills for current education researchers. Eligible applicants include state and local education agency research staff, academic institutions, and nonprofits. Institutions must be located in the territorial United States and demonstrate capacity to conduct training in scientific research methods.
Institutions may hold multiple Methods Training awards if applications are substantively different with no overlapping key personnel.
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Program description
NCER training programs prepare individuals to conduct education research that advances knowledge within the field and addresses issues important to education policymakers and practitioners.
Under this competition, NCER will consider only applications that address one of the following programs: (1) Early Career Development and Mentoring Program for Education Research (Early Career) or (2) Methods Training for Education Research (Methods Training). The Early Career program provides support for an integrated research and career development plan for early career investigators at institutions of higher education or non-academic research organizations who are developing education research careers. The Methods Training program funds training to help current education researchers, including state and local education agency research staff, maintain and enhance their research and analysis skills in order to conduct rigorous and relevant education research.
Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305B.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- Project Narrative/Research Proposal
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Curriculum Vitae (for Early Career applicants)
- Evidence of institutional capacity
- Plan for rigorous research methodology or training design
Program contact
- 👤 Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst
- 📧 Courtney.Pollack@ed.gov
- 📞 2022456408
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.305 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$11,989,799
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$10,000,000
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$9,999,999
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$9,999,999
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$9,996,923
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$9,994,246
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$9,938,277
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$5,942,064
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$5,904,388
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$5,000,000
Top States by Funding
- VA 15 awards $59.6M
- CA 13 awards $59.0M
- NY 9 awards $43.4M
- PA 7 awards $33.5M
- MA 6 awards $32.0M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 84.305). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $218,187,578 | |
| 2025 | $164,339,229 | |
| 2026 est. | $245,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the Early Career program?
Early-career investigators at institutions of higher education or non-academic research organizations. Eligible institutions include colleges, universities, nonprofits, and for-profit organizations in the territorial United States.
What is the Methods Training program for?
It funds training to help current education researchers and state/local education agency staff enhance research and analysis skills for rigorous education research.
Can an institution submit multiple applications?
Yes, for Methods Training only. Applications must be substantively different with no overlapping key personnel.
What must institutions demonstrate to be eligible?
Capacity and ability to conduct rigorous education research or to conduct training in scientific research methods.
Does this grant require cost sharing?
No, cost sharing is not required for this competition.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your research or training program directly to one of the two specific NCER programs: Early Career Development or Methods Training. Do not submit proposals that address other topics.
- For Early Career, develop an integrated plan showing both research goals and career development strategy. Mentoring and capacity building are key components.
- For Methods Training, demonstrate clear outcomes for enhancing researcher skills in rigorous and relevant education research methods.
- Include evidence of institutional capacity: prior research accomplishments, facilities, statistical/methodological expertise, or training track record.
- Tailor your proposal to address issues important to education policymakers and practitioners, not just academic advancement.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting proposals on education topics unrelated to either Early Career or Methods Training. Vague or poorly articulated research/training plans without specific outcomes. Failing to demonstrate institutional capacity and resources for rigorous education research or training.
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