CMJ Dissertation Fellowship
The purpose of the Center for Measurement Justice (CMJ) dissertation fellowship is to bring justice-oriented assessment and measurement practices to all learners. Our work is to inspire, prepare, and support a critical mass of measurement professionals and partners as they work towards a socially just assessment and measurement system.
The CMJ Fellowship Program is targeted for students historically underrepresented in educational measurement. CMJ is committed to providing opportunities for students to expand their networks, build research and career skills, and support in transitioning into professional roles.
Each year, CMJ funds a small group of outstanding advanced doctoral candidates so that they can devote themselves full-time to the completion of their dissertation. Students who are enrolled in classes or who are employed full-time are not eligible. Each participant will receive a $30,000 stipend and will be expected to provide quarterly progress reports.
Please review the eligibility requirements diligently before submitting your application. Two fellowships will be awarded this year, selected by members of the CMJ review team.
Completed applications must be submitted electronically no later than 11:59PM EST on Monday, November 30, 2026.
Decisions will be made no later than March 1, 2027. Fellowships may begin no earlier than June 1, 2027. Note. The dissertation proposal must be complete (and approved by the full committee) by June 1, 2027.
In addition the criteria noted above, the selection committee will consider the following questions:
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- To what extent does the research topic address socio-political injustice enacted in K-12 educational assessment processes?
- To what extent is the relevant research grounded in critical theory (e.g. feminist theory, Black feminist theory, critical race theory, queer theory, etc.) in the field of measurement?
- To what extent is the study likely to yield new knowledge in the field of K-12 assessment practices?
- Are the claims, methodology and analysis plans described in sufficient detail in order to conduct this study?
- Does the narrative submitted display strong authorship skills, with clear direction, organization and structure?
- Is it feasible to complete the study during the fellowship timeline?
- To what extent does the proposal explain the issue that needs to be addressed, the design and logic of the study, timeline of the study, sources of evidence, the nature of the type of data and analysis, the measurement method and the nature of the interpretation of data.
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APPLICATION COMPONENTS:
2. Dissertation Abstract (this is included in the application form)
3. Discussion of Dissertation:
No more than 8 pages should describe the dissertation. Please use the following format: 1.5-spaced, one-inch margins, each page should be numbered, and at least 11-point font. The header should include the fellow’s name and email address.. The bibliography does not count towards the 8 pages, but should not exceed more than three pages. Other supplemental materials, such as samples, charts, graphs, questionnaires,etc. may be submitted as an appendix and do not count towards the page limit. Please also provide a detailed timeline for the project in the appendix.
The narrative should include:
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- Statement of the problem (issues being addressed),
- the intended contribution to the field of assessment: any specific use cases as it relates to the field of educational assessment,
- the goals of the research project,
- the intended methods:
- measurement tools and how the data will be collected, analyzed and interpreted,
- and an outline of any relevant literature and theoretical grounding. If preliminary findings or pilot data are available, these should be described briefly.
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4. CV (upload within online application form)
5. Graduate Transcript:
Applicants must upload a graduate transcript to their application form, an unofficial transcript will suffice.
6. Letters of Recommendation:
Two letters of recommendation are required: one from the dissertation chair and a second professional reference. Only two letters will be considered. Letters of recommendation should be sent by the reference directly to us at cmj@measurementjustice.org.
7. Positionality Statement: (1.5 pages max, 1.5 spaced)
Applicants will be asked to describe:
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- how their lived experiences and educational work have prepared them for doing research on this topic.
- both in terms of privilege and marginalization, how their research (from research question to articulation to interpretation) is informed by their sociopolitical identities.
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The selection committee will be composed of both experts in the educational measurement field and other professionals that may not be experts in the field; therefore, the language specific to the field of measurement should cater to both audiences.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
1. Have a record of excellent academic achievement
2. U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented student with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA)
3. Actively engaged in activities/efforts in the U.S. to specifically reduce educational disparities based on race, ethnicity, first-generation status, familial income, or gender
4. Meet at least one of the following:
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- First-generation U.S. citizens in family
- First-generation in family to graduate from four-year college or university
- From an educational or geographic background that is underrepresented in their descipline in the U.S.
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LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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