The CADRE Fellows program provides professional growth opportunities for early career professionals in the field of preK-12 STEM education research. Through a series of capacity-building activities, the program offers Fellows the opportunity to gain insight into what it takes to be successful and effective in this field, become more familiar with National Science Foundation (NSF) practices, network with experienced researchers and professionals, and build community with other early career scholars from across the country. Fellows will be invited to attend the 2025 DRK-12 PI Meeting in Arlington, VA on June 9-11, 2025.
Application and Selection Process
Applications are due by 5:00 PM ET on November 29, 2024.
We invite early career preK-12 STEM education scholars who will be able to contribute to and benefit from this program, and for whom the program will fill an opportunity gap in their professional development, to apply. Applicants can be a member of an NSF research project team, someone in an education department, or a researcher at a non-profit. More specifically, applicants should:
- Be an early career STEM education researcher/scholar from an institution in an EPSCoR jurisdiction or rural area* (especially those associated with minority-serving institutions).
- Be a doctoral student, postdoc, or early career researcher/scholar at a similar career stage at a non-academic organization, school system, etc. (Note: This opportunity isn't designed for scholars further along in their careers, e.g., faculty.)
- Demonstrate the desire and potential for advancing the field of preK-12 STEM education.
- Have an interest (and preferably experience) in education research and exhibit evidence of leadership.
- Have research interests and career goals that contribute to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in preK-12 STEM education and the field of STEM education research.
- Demonstrate a need for support in the Fellows program focal areas.
- Have the capacity to commit and contribute to the Fellows program by fully participating in all activities, e.g., must be available to attend the virtual orientation on January 14-15, 2025 and the 2025 DRK-12 PI Meeting on June 9-11, 2025.
Application materials include an application form, personal statement, CV or resume, and a letter of recommendation from a senior researcher (e.g., faculty member or research scientist), all of which can be submitted through the form below. (See the CADRE Fellows Application Guidelines for more information about personal statements and letters of recommendation.) Materials will be reviewed by a team of external reviewers based on how well they address the application guidelines.
CADRE aims to establish a cohort of up to 10 Fellows who represent diverse backgrounds, experience, interests, professional goals, institutions, and geographic regions. Special consideration will be given to applicants who have not had similar professional development opportunities, and are associated with awardees, programs, or institutions that haven’t previously had a CADRE Fellow. Special consideration will be given to applicants who have not had similar professional development opportunities and are associated with awardees, programs, or institutions that haven’t previously had a CADRE Fellow.
Program Description and Expectations
This year the program will be held virtually, with the exception of the in-person events held in conjunction with the 2025 DRK-12 PI Meeting, and run from January - July 2025. Program activities will focus on career pathways, research use and dissemination, community building, and research funding, as well as the opportunities and challenges of conducting research and improving STEM education in EPSCoR jurisdictions and rural areas.
As part of the program, CADRE Fellows will:
- Attend a virtual orientation on January 14-15, 2025 (all synchronous meetings will be held after noon ET to accommodate West Coast participants).
- Participate in discussions with DRK-12 awardees and other STEM education professionals/researchers (including those from EPSCoR jurisdictions and rural areas) during a series of interactive, topical webinars;
- Collaborate and offer peer support on activities designed to meet the needs of early career researchers;
- Meet NSF program officers, learn about the NSF proposal review process, and participate in a mock review led by an NSF program director;
- Attend the 2025 DRK-12 PI Meeting in Arlington, VA on June 9-11, 2025; and
- Advance a career-development project specific to their interests (e.g., developing job application materials, a manuscript for publication, a grant proposal concept, or a business plan).
Each month, Fellows will be expected to participate in two 90-minute synchronous webinars. Fellows will attend that month’s topical webinar with a panel of STEM education professionals/researchers. Prior to the webinars, Fellows will be asked to read bios of the presenters, review a CADRE tips sheet to introduce the topic and inform the conversation, and brainstorm discussion questions. Fellows will also participate in and co-lead monthly working sessions (akin to writing groups) to advance their career-development projects in collaboration with other Fellows. Additionally, each Fellow will have a 1:1 meeting with a mentor. Fellows are expected to reserve time in their schedules to attend all meetings. CADRE staff will strive to schedule the activities to accommodate the calendars of the majority of Fellows.
Financial Support
CADRE will offer a $1000 stipend to Fellows and cover travel expenses associated with the 2025 DRK-12 PI Meeting.
Additional Information and Application Support
For more information about the Fellows program, please visit the CADRE Fellows webpage. There, you will find an overview of the program, the calendar of activities for the upcoming year, former Fellows’ bios, and more. For interested applicants with additional questions about the Fellows program and application process, CADRE will host an informational Q&A session on November 4, 2024, at 4:00-5:00 PM ET. Register here. Potential applicants may also direct questions to cadre@edc.org.