The Foundation's mission focuses on supporting early-career researchers to advance the field of education through diverse and equity-driven research. Committed to improving the early care and education (ECE) workforce's preparation, competency, compensation, well-being, and ongoing professional learning, the Foundation aims to enhance young children’s learning experiences. Emphasizing diversity as vital for a strong society, it encourages applications from underrepresented groups to enrich research perspectives, thereby fostering a more diverse and equitable research community.
The Young Scholars Program (YSP) aims to bolster the field of education by supporting early-career researchers in conducting implementation research tied to policy and practice within the early care and education (ECE) workforce sector. This research should focus on various aspects of the ECE workforce, including—but not limited to—their preparation, competency, and overall well-being, with the goal of amplifying the quality of early learning experiences for young children and, in turn, their potential for success. The program prioritizes diversity among applicants, encouraging those from underrepresented backgrounds to apply, and seeks projects that offer fresh insights into how high-quality ECE can be effectively implemented across varying contexts. Grant recipients will join a growing network of researchers committed to enhancing the efficacy and quality of the ECE workforce.