NAGAP Resources

Research Grant
Support Your Research

The NAGAP Graduate Education Research Grant

NAGAP, The Association for Graduate Enrollment Management, offers the Graduate Education Research Grant to encourage and support exploration of topics specific to graduate education and the field of graduate enrollment management (GEM). Topic areas include (but are not limited to) alumni outreach, student retention, campus support services, underrepresented student experiences, diversity and inclusion, faculty advising, technology, leadership, financial aid, internationalization, holistic admissions, recruitment, etc.

Want to learn more about the Grant?

Learn about The Awards

Learn about Past Winners

Learn about the Eligibility Requirements

Learn about the Selection Criteria & Process

Learn about the Expectations

Learn about the Review Policy
2026–2027 Research Grant Application – OPENING SOON

How to Apply

 Grant Proposal, Budget & Timeline

  • Title of proposal research project
  • An abstract of the proposed research project (maximum of 100 words)
  • A statement on your background and interest in the research topic
  • The proposed research, including a description of how your topic will enrich knowledge in the field of Graduate Enrollment Management (GEM), and a description of your research methodology
  • A budget estimating how the research funds would be used
    • Including a statement on any funding you have already secured for the research, and/or on how your research will be funded if this grant is not received
  • A proposal timeline with completion date of no later than March 15, 2027
    • Indicate which components (if any) are complete and the estimated date of completion for all other research plan components.
  • Appendix (not part of the four-page limit) to include key references and any charts or image referenced in the proposal

 CV/Resume

Please include your updated resume

 Recommendation

  • For student applicants, your letter should be from your advisor
  • For non-student applicants, your letter may come from a previous advisor or other colleagues familiar with your work
  • Letter(s) should be included by the applicant as part of the PDF upload

 Student Applications

Include your unofficial transcript or grade report on graduate coursework
NAGAP GEM Grant

The Awards

Gold

  • $2,500 issued directly to the individual researcher
  • Recognition at the 2026 GEM Summit in San Francisco, CA
  • Complimentary Summit registration, $500 travel stipend, two nights hotel in 2027
  • Research summary in NAGAP’s Perspectives
  • One year complimentary NAGAP membership

Silver

  • $1,000 to support your research
  • Recognition at the 2026 GEM Summit in San Francisco, CA
  • Complimentary 2027 Summit registration and presentation slot
  • Research summary in Perspectives
  • One year complimentary NAGAP membership
2025–26 Grant Winners

Graduate Research Grant Winners

Gold: Donna Su

Northwestern University

Donna Su

Silver: Amanda Bosque

University of Alabama

Amanda Bosque

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled graduate/professional student OR post-doc/professional in GEM
  • Complete project by March 15, 2027, original work
  • No group applications
  • Past winners and certain NAGAP leaders ineligible

Selection Criteria & Process

  • Originality & quality of research design
  • Contribution to GEM knowledge
  • Potential as GEM Summit presentation
  • Strength of budget & timeline
  • Applicant’s research record
  • Quality of recommendation letters

Recipients selected before April 2026 GEM Summit; notification in March 2026; funds disbursed after July 1, 2026.

Expectations

Recipients present at the 2027 GEM Summit; conduct research ethically; NAGAP may publish findings.

Review Policy

Reviewers recuse themselves from applications presenting conflicts of interest; only impartial reviewers score those.

Proposal, Budget & Timeline

  • Title of proposed research project
  • An abstract (max 100 words)
  • Your background and interest in the topic
  • Research plan and methodology
  • Budget & funding statement
  • Timeline (complete by March 15, 2027)
  • Appendix with key references

Supporting Documents

  • Updated resume/CV
  • Letter(s) of recommendation
  • Unofficial transcript

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled graduate student or post-doctoral professional
  • Research completed by March 15, 2027
  • No group applications
  • Previous winners and certain NAGAP leaders are ineligible

Selection Criteria & Process

  • Quality and originality of proposal
  • Contribution to GEM field
  • Presentation potential at GEM Summit
  • Strength of budget & timeline
  • Applicant’s track record
  • Recommendation letters

Winners announced before April 2026 GEM Summit; funds disbursed after July 1, 2026.

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