June 3-5, 2026 | Apply by March 1

The Postsecondary Education & Economics Research (PEER) Center invites early- and mid-career academics conducting higher education policy research to apply to participate in a selective training and networking opportunity in the nation’s capital!

PEER Summer Scholars will learn how the federal policymaking process really works from scholars and experts who have worked in the federal government. They will develop skills to communicate their research effectively to a broad audience, generate new research ideas based on real-world policy debates, connect with journalists, and hear directly from policymakers in Congress and the Executive Branch. They will also get advice about navigating expectations of academia while engaging in policy-relevant work and learn about potential opportunities to serve in government roles.

Over three days in D.C., scholars will participate in skills-based workshops that focus on (among other topics):

Writing a publishable policy brief based on their own academic research;
Translating technical research for a policy audience;
Understanding legislative and regulatory processes;
Engaging in research on politically-charged topics;
Discussing current policy issues; and
Communicating effectively with journalists and policymakers

Scholars will work closely with PEER’s policy and research staff throughout the sessions and have the opportunity to engage directly with senior academics, policymakers, media, and advocates.

The session will be held from June 3-5 in Washington, D.C. The cost of domestic travel, hotel, and meals will be covered by the Center. The program will be led by Stephanie Cellini (George Washington University) and Jordan Matsudaira (American University), co-directors of the PEER Center, and Rajeev Darolia (University of Kentucky), senior fellow at PEER.

Interested? Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in public policy, economics, education, or a related field and engage in quantitative or mixed methods education policy research. Preference will be given to early- and mid-career scholars with fewer than ten years of research experience.

Email the application materials listed below to peercenter@american.edu by March 1 with subject line: “PEER Summer Scholars.”

A short cover letter (of about 500 words) that describes why you would like to participate in this training and your specific area(s) of interest or recent work in higher education policy;
A current CV that includes the email address/phone number of at least two references; and
A recent research paper, either published or unpublished