In the summer of 2009, MDRC will be offering paid doctoral fellowships targeting Ph.D. candidates who are pursuing independent, self-directed research on economic and social problems affecting low-income Americans. Dedicated to learning what works to improve the well-being of low-income families, MDRC has created this special financial assistance program for students enrolled in doctoral programs in economics, psychology, sociology, child development, education, public policy, or related fields. Qualified minority students are strongly encouraged to apply.

The program’s purpose is to offer hands-on research and related experience in important policy issues in MDRC’s five policy areas: Family Well-Being and Child Development, K-12 Education, Young Adults and Postsecondary Education, Low-Wage Workers and Communities, and Welfare and Barriers to Employment.

We plan to offer up to two fellowships for this coming summer. Fellows could work in either MDRC’s West Coast office in Oakland, CA, or our New York City office. Each fellowship is expected to begin in early summer and last through August, though there is some flexibility in the timing. Recipients will work primarily on their doctoral dissertations on topics of mutual interest — and will participate in the intellectual life of MDRC by attending seminars and project meetings and by working with key MDRC research staff. A stipend and office space will be provided to each fellow.

Specifics

Who: Any student enrolled in a doctoral program in economics, psychology, child development, sociology, education, public policy, or related field who has had a dissertation proposal or prospectus approved by his or her academic department.

Why: To pursue independent research on a policy issue related to low-income individuals, families, and communities while sharing in the intellectual life of MDRC.

How Much: One or two fellowships with stipends of up to $5,000 for the summer.

Timing: Applications should be submitted by April 30, 2009.

How to Apply: Please submit the following:

• Resume, including work and academic experience.
• A proposal (up to 2,000 words) that discusses the rationale for the research project you plan to pursue. Include a statement of the research question, the data you will be using, the analytic approach you are taking, its relevance to social policy, and the steps needed to complete the project.
• A copy of your graduate school transcript(s).
• Two letters of recommendation, including one from a sponsoring faculty member.