A fund offered through Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs will support creative, interdisciplinary research projects and programs addressing important issues in education.

In the third year of this award, the Overdeck Education Innovation Fund will award up to $360,000 for multiple faculty and student education research projects, as well as education programs. Priority will be given to proposals that are cross-disciplinary.

For the 2020-2021 academic year, two levels of grant support are available: Grants of $5,000 or less and grants above $5,000.

Preference will also be given to proposals that align with one or more of the following focus areas:

Early Impact: with the goal of empowering families, caregivers, and communities to use evidence-based positive parenting practices that increase Kindergarten readiness;

Exceptional Educators: with the goal of supporting educators through evidence-based preparation, high-quality instructional resources, and ongoing professional learning and leadership opportunities;

Innovative Schools: with the goal of developing student-centered learning environments that ensure every child has access to an education that is engaging and challenging, and meets both academic and socioemotional needs;

Inspired Minds: with the goal of ensuring that all students have access to high quality out-of-school STEM experiences that unlock their curiosity and allow them to explore mind-expanding challenges.

“The Overdeck Research Fund will help support our Princeton scholars to advance research and enhance the future of education, which is a very exciting prospect,” said Cecilia Rouse, dean of the School of Public and International Affairs, the Lawrence and Shirley Katzman and Lewis and Anna Ernst Professor in the Economics of Education and professor of economics and public affairs.

Proposals may be submitted by individual faculty members, Princeton students, or groups of faculty or students. All submissions must include a Princeton faculty member as the principal investigator.

Given the importance of academic programming, faculty members are urged to discuss their ideas with relevant chairs, deans, and directors at an early stage of planning. Proposals that focus on all aspects of the “research continuum” from planning grants to data collection and analysis, or those linked to innovative pedagogy and program implementation, are welcome.

All proposals should include a letter of intent no more than two pages long and a detailed budget. Grant proposals over $5,000 are due by Nov. 6 and will be considered once per year. There is no deadline for grant proposals under $5,000 and they will be considered on a rolling basis.

By Dec. 11, the faculty committee will invite selected investigators to submit full proposals, which will be due on Jan. 15, 2021. Full guidelines for the proposals will be included in the request.

All proposal materials should be submitted to Heather Evans, executive assistant to the dean, at heathere@princeton.edu. Evans can be reached by email or 609-258-3143 for letter-of-intent guidelines and other questions.

The Overdeck Family Foundation was established in 2011 by John and Laura Overdeck with the goal to provide children opportunities to unlock their potential through education. The Foundation funds compelling, innovative research that will measurably enhance education inside and outside the classroom.

Laura Overdeck graduated from Princeton University in 1991 and currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Princeton University and on the Department of Astrophysical Sciences’ Advisory Council. She is a former member of the Woodrow Wilson Advisory Council, which is now known as the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs’ Advisory Council.