1. Admission
  2. Fellowships, Scholarships, & Awards
  3. Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) Fellowships
  4. VEST Predoctoral Four-Year Fellowship

VEST Predoctoral Four-Year Fellowship

The Virginia Education Science Training (VEST) program integrates the use of theoretical models of causal inference from various sciences (e.g., psychology, economics, biostatistics) with research designs, analytic techniques and methods that support causal inferences in studies of school, classroom and program effects.

More specifically, training applies rigorous methods to three substantive research topics identified by IES: a) teacher quality, b) early childhood, and c) social and behavioral contexts for academic learning. Conceptual and methodological emphases in the core curriculum ensure students are proficient in developing and testing research hypotheses through research designs and through experimental and quasi-experimental statistical procedures that support causal inferences.

VEST Four-Year Fellowship

Admission

Applicants to the school's education policy and educational psychology–applied developmental science Ph.D. programs are automatically considered for Four-Year VEST Fellowships. No additional application materials are required. Fellows should plan on conducting a dissertation examining questions relevant to education policy or applied developmental science and plan to pursue a career in education policy or education research, consistent with the stated goals of the Institute of Education Sciences: to establish an evidence base for classroom practices and education policy; and to train research scientists who embody those skills.

Renewal

Students are initially awarded fellowships for one program year, September through August. In February, they apply for renewal by submitting an Annual Research Plan Table, updating by tracking changes. Successful applications for renewal are generally for one more full program year; however, in some cases, the faculty may opt to renew on a semester-by-semester basis, in order to ensure that the student is taking full advantage of the fellowship program and is meeting all expectations.

Core Curriculum

In addition to meeting the requirements of their Ph.D. academic programs, all four-year fellows engage in a core training curriculum comprised of these elements:

  • A four-semester course sequence that teaches fellows to apply rigorous research methods to the following substantive topics: a) teacher quality, b) early childhood and c) social and behavioral contexts for academic learning
  • Completion of a minimum of five methods courses
  • An apprenticeship to research programs focused on teacher quality, early childhood, or social and behavioral contexts for academic learning (roughly 20 hours per week, depending on the specific arrangement with your mentor)
  • Training workshops in advanced statistical modeling or design
  • Attendance at interdisciplinary speaker series presentations and engagement in the proseminar (Issues in Applied Developmental Science and Education Policy)

Conditions of the Fellowship

In addition to the core curriculum fellows will:

  • Fulfill the annual progress indicators related to research training and experience that will be identified as part of an individualized contract that you develop with your advisor, including plans for writing papers and presenting at national conferences.
  • Attend the Research Lectureship Series during the fall and spring
  • Attend one or more IES-approved national conferences each year
  • Participate in IES workshops during the summer (at UVA or other institutions)
  • At the beginning of the fellow's 3rd year, identify a program faculty member from Arts & Sciences as your co-mentor
  • Provide service to the program through tasks such as hosting speakers, facilitating workshops, mentoring summer interns, etc.
  • The fellow's dissertation committee should include the school mentor and at least one other VEST Program Affiliate
  • During and after the VEST fellowship fellows will remain in contact with UVA and IES to provide regular updates

Important Note

Fellows may not function as a teaching assistant while receiving support from the IES Fellowship. The intention of this requirement (a condition of the funding agency) is to protect your time for research training.

Financial Support

Four-year fellows are eligible to receive: 

  • A competitive stipend for the program year (12 months: September 1-August 31).
  • Up to $10,500 towards tuition and health insurance for the academic year (fall and spring).
  • Support for your research and travel expenses for attendance at national or international meetings. See the VEST Coordinator for specific amounts.

Please note that students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents to receive fellowship funding.

Fellowship support is renewable for up to four years under this training grant. Renewal is dependent upon successful progress toward completion of the program and productive engagement in research.

Renewal

Students are initially awarded fellowships for one program year, September through August. In February, they apply for renewal by submitting an Annual Research Plan Table, updating by tracking changes. Successful applications for renewal are generally for one more full program year; however, in some cases, the faculty may opt to renew on a semester-by-semester basis, in order to ensure that the student is taking full advantage of the fellowship program and is meeting all expectations.

Contact Us

Reach out for more information regarding VEST

Funding Disclaimer

The information provided on the School of Education and Human Development's website regarding financial aid is intended for reference purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, it is important to note that this information should not be construed as a guarantee of funding.


Financial aid availability and eligibility may be subject to various factors, including but not limited to changes in federal or state regulations, institutional policies, funding availability, and individual qualifications. The information provided on these pages may change, and it is recommended that you verify the accuracy of details with the appropriate department administrator.