The Society For Military Psychology

Professional Development Grants

Early Career Psychologists face unique challenges in establishing careers in both research and practice in psychology and can often benefit from funds to further their professional advancement – whether that is seed money for a research project, money to cover the cost of a clinical workshop or licensure preparation fees, or money to establish a consultative service.

The diversity of the Society for Military Psychology is consistently highlighted as one of its strengths. In order to recognize that diversity, beginning in 2018, the Society has established the first “Professional Development” grants to assist ECPs in furthering their career goals. These grants are competitively selected and are intentionally designed to cover a wide range of professional activities. Awardees will be expected to attend the APA convention to interact with Society leadership and share the impact of these grants on their career development.

Topic Areas of Interest

Grants will be awarded in two distinct categories – “Research” and “Applied.” Research grants should include proposals for funds up to $2500. Indirect costs are not allowed. Applied grants should include proposals that further the professional development of the individual – whether through books, conference attendance, workshop, licensure preparation, consulting fees, or any other reasonable professional activity up to $1250. Up to five (5) grants will be awarded this cycle for a total of $7500 in awarded funds.

This year, although research and applied grants may cover a range of topics relevant to the applicant’s professional development, we would like to encourage proposals in two topic areas, the novel Coronavirus and diversity:

COVID-19

The spread of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted in vast and rapid alterations in nearly every facet of our way of life. Thus, there are a wide variety of psychological (cognitive, behavioral, and emotional) constructs which may have implications in our adjustment to these changes, adoption of health practices, and reactions to required behavioral changes or the outcomes of the virus itself. Psychologists in general and military psychologists in particular have been called upon to assist in the public health and clinical response to this pandemic. As such, research proposals which focus on COVID-19, especially as it relates to military service members/military psychologists and their roles in managing this crisis are of particular interest to the selection committee. We would also like to support proposals for attendance to workshops or conferences which provide educational opportunities related to telehealth competency and other important clinical adaptations made due to COVID-19.

DIVERSITY

Division 19’s Official Statement Against Racism, circulated in July 2020, states,
“We will continue to promote human welfare through advocacy, education, research, and training. As military psychologists, we know the value of diversity, and we acknowledge White Privilege exists. It is not enough for allies to say ‘We see you’ – we need to ensure voices are heard and true inclusion is practiced.”

Therefore, the selection committee is especially interested in supporting research and professional development proposals which center on diversity/inclusion, multicultural competence, racism, antiracism, or the experiences of Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) military service members and psychologists.

Submission Requirements

As above, grant recipients are expected to attend the APA Convention in the year of their award to share their work with division leadership. Awardees may use up to $750 of their award to defray the cost of conference attendance. Applicants must be members of the Society for Military Psychology (either as Members or Professional Affiliates) and within 10 years of receipt of their doctoral degree by the application deadline.

All applications can be submitted via email awards portal and must include: https://division19.awardsplatform.com/

  1. Professional Development Proposal (two page maximum)
  2. For research applications, this should include a brief summary of the research gap, specific aim(s) of the study, proposed methodology, potential implications and future directions, and a timeline for the study. Projects that are feasible to implement rapidly (e.g., 12 months) and are likely to support preliminary data gathering for future grant submissions will be positively viewed. The applicant should also address the status and timeline of institutional approval (not required prior to submission but expected prior to disbursement of funds) and include a statement on the ethical conduct of research.
  3. For applied applications, this should include information on how these funds will be utilized (e.g., licensure/board certification fees, conference/workshop attendance, books/journal subscriptions) and the relevance to military psychology and to the individual’s professional development. Projects that support the role of ethics in military psychology are a high priority area for this grant funding cycle.
  4. Breakdown of proposed budget
  5. Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae (two page maximum)
  6. A statement on how this professional development will support the individual’s plan for engagement and participation within Division 19 (one page maximum)

Although we have no way of knowing the race/ethnicity of any applicant, the selection committee is committed to reducing bias in our decision-making process and would like to especially encourage BIPOC Division 19 ECPs to apply.

Timeline

Applications due: November 15th
Awardees announced: December 1st
Projects eligible to begin: December 1st

Questions should be directed to ecp_committee@militarypsych.org, or Katie Fry, ECP Chair, kathleen.fry1@va.gov

Submission portal can be found: https://division19.awardsplatform.com/