REVIEW PROCESS

Process and Timeline

The Chicago International Summit on Education, organized by Ad Astra Research Institute, accepts applications annually for its Graduate Student Research Scholarships. The program supports graduate students conducting research that contributes to the advancement of education and aligns with the areas of focus of the Summit.

Applications for the 2027 scholarship cycle must be submitted by February 15, 2027. Scholarship recipients will be notified by March 1, 2027.

Applications will be evaluated based on the quality and clarity of the proposed research, including:

• Research abstract

• Research purpose, objectives, and/or specific aims

• Research methods

• Proposed use of scholarship funds

• Overall clarity and quality of the application

Applications must be completed through the online application form. Questions regarding the scholarship program may be directed to the Graduate Student Research Scholarships Program.

Application Review

Applications are reviewed by Research Fellows of Ad Astra Research Institute under the direction of the Graduate Student Research Scholarships Program Chair.

Reviewers independently evaluate assigned applications before meeting to discuss the applications and scholarship recommendations. A primary reviewer is assigned to each application and is responsible for presenting the merits of the application during the review process.

All applicants selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by email using the email address provided in their application. Award notifications will include important program requirements, research update expectations, and other information applicable to scholarship recipients.

Scholarship recipients may also have the opportunity to serve as Associate Research Fellows with Ad Astra Research Institute for up to one year, providing an opportunity to engage with the Institute's scholarly community and receive feedback on their research.

What Is Expected of Scholarship Recipients?

Scholarship recipients are expected to provide periodic updates on the progress of their research until data collection is completed. Updates are generally provided twice per academic semester—at midterm and at the end of the semester.

These updates allow the scholarship program to follow the progress of supported research and provide recipients with opportunities to receive feedback from Ad Astra Research Institute Research Fellows.

Following completion of data collection and analysis, recipients are expected to submit a brief data analysis report within 60 days.

Scholarship recipients may also be asked to provide a photograph, brief biography, and summary of their research for recognition on the Chicago International Summit on Education and/or Ad Astra Research Institute websites.

How Can Scholarship Funds Be Used?

Scholarship funds are intended to directly support the recipient's research and the dissemination of research findings.

Eligible expenses may include:

• Research instruments, materials, or other necessary research resources

• Participant incentives

• Qualitative data transcription or other research support services

• Research-related data collection or analysis expenses

• Registration for the Chicago International Summit on Education

• Reasonable travel expenses associated with presenting completed research at the Summit

Scholarship funds must be used for expenses directly related to the approved research project and its dissemination. Additional requirements or restrictions regarding the use of funds may be communicated to recipients at the time of the award.