November 2025

AERA is strongly encouraging members and friends of education research to join its continuing effort to expand access to the Annual Meeting for graduate students by giving to the Annual Meeting Graduate Student Assistance Fund.

To donate, log in your re:Members account and select "Donate Now" in the lefthand menu, then select "Annual Meeting Graduate Student Assistance Fund (2026)" from the list of options.

The Annual Meeting Graduate Student Assistance Fund provides support for AERA graduate student members facing financial challenges in attending the Annual Meeting. Since its launch three years ago, the fund has helped students from more than 170 institutions participate.

AERA has pledged $25,000 from its operating budget to provide 50 awards per year. With additional support from the education research community, AERA is seeking to double the funding it can provide to support graduate students with demonstrated financial need who wish to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting.

“The AERA Annual Meeting is a crucial catalyst for expanding knowledge and fostering career-long collaboration and community,” said AERA Executive Director Tabbye Chavous. “We are asking our members, partners, and supporters to help make these opportunities available to the next generation of researchers and field leaders.”

During the 2025 Annual Meeting, the fund provided $33,000 in support for graduate students. AERA divisions and special interest groups contributed an additional $126,940 in Annual Meeting registration and travel awards from their own resources.

“AERA and the field of education research are deeply committed to expanding equitable access to the Annual Meeting and supporting the growth of emerging researchers,” Chavous said. “We invite our community to help ensure that all graduate students—regardless of financial circumstance—can fully participate in and benefit from this key professional opportunity.”