The mission of the funder, in this case, involves both the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the American Educational Research Association (AERA). While specific mission statements are not provided, the NSF generally aims to promote the progress of science and advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare, as well as to secure the national defense. The AERA seeks to improve the educational process by encouraging scholarly inquiry related to education and by promoting the dissemination and practical application of research results.
The AERA Minority Dissertation Fellowship in Education Research aims to provide support for doctoral dissertation research to advance education research by outstanding minority graduate students. It focuses on enhancing the competitiveness of these students for academic appointments at major research universities. The fellowship encourages studies across a broad range of education research topics, such as student experiences, STEM learning, ethnic studies, achievement and opportunity gaps, and more. Proposals are encouraged from advanced graduate students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, and research may employ various scientific methods. The Fellowship offers a $25,000 stipend, opportunities to present research at an AERA session, and access to mentoring and career development workshops. The budget for these fellowships can include a range of research-related expenses, and AERA encourages universities to provide additional support.