The Society for Military Psychology (APA Division 19) offers annual Division 19 Student Research Grants to encourage cutting-edge research related to all aspects of military psychology. The purpose of the Division 19 Student Research Grant program is to assist graduate/undergraduate students of psychology (clinical, I/O, cognitive, applied, etc.) with costs associated with conducting research.

Up to two (2) Student Research Grants of up to $2250 each will be awarded annually. This annual award will be presented to students whose research reflects excellence in military psychology. As part of the application budget, applicants may request up to $750 in dedicated travel funds to aid with presenting the research at the American Psychological Association Annual Convention or a Division 19 Conference. All applicants are highly encouraged to present their findings at a conference and/or publication.

Starting in 2026, awards are not disbursed until IRB approval or equivalent is obtained.

• Enrolled and in good standing in a graduate/undergraduate program in psychology

• A Student Affiliate of Division 19

• With a proposal that has been approved by a faculty advisor prior to application

• The proposed research is related to military psychology, including, but not limited to, clinical research and industrial/organizational research

• Agree to complete a 6-month and 12-month report on the progress of your award

Proposals will be evaluated by a committee of scientific peers to determine which efforts are of highest quality to merit grant support. The following criteria will be used to evaluate each proposal: 

1. Research approach: An assessment of the overall quality of the conceptual framework, design, methods, and planned analyses. Relevance: Does the proposed research address a relevant topic for the science of military psychology? 

2. Significance: Does the proposal address an important problem relevant to both the academic and practitioner membership of the Society for Military Psychology? Will the proposal advance knowledge and practice in a given area? 

3. Innovativeness: Does the proposed research employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Does the proposal research have original and innovative aims? 

4. Realism (Feasibility): Will the project be completed within one year of award date? Does the student have adequate support from their Advisor and Department?

5. Appropriateness of budget: Is there clear justification and rationale for the expenditure of the award monies? Can the proposed work be accomplished with the funds requested or is there evidence that additional expenses will be covered by other sources of funding?

Proposals should be concise and convey concepts in simple terms but with sufficient detail to achieve clarity. Proposals should be prepared in accordance with the latest edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association. 

The Division 19 Student Research Grant Committee will examine all applications for eligibility and review the application packet in accordance with guidelines specified in the Review Criteria above.

All required documents must:

 • use 12-point font with 1” margins (Note:  double spacing only required for the Project Summary)

 • be combined into a single PDF, in the order listed below; the PDF file name should be labeled as: Last Name, First Initial, Year, "Student"

The required documents (page limits) are as follows:

1. Cover Letter (1-page): describes your research interests, experience and career plans.

2. Project Summary (5-pages): Double-spacing required. It is a summary of the research, including an explanation of research design, other important aspects of the project and a brief justification of proposed use of funds (i.e., budget). The award must be used to support expenses that are directly related to the research (e.g., computer time, animal care, equipment, participant fees); it may not be used for tuition or personal expenses. If travel funds are being requested, include the request (up to $750) in the proposal's budget. Please note: Figures or tables may be included only if they can be incorporated into the 5-page research summary. 

3. References (no page limit): in APA format

4. Curriculum Vitae (2-pages): Includes training, research, publication and presentation experience, and any other relevant details

5. Advisor Endorsement Letter (1-page): An endorsement letter from your academic adviser or professor who will be supporting you in completing the proposed research.

6. Department Chair Endorsement Letter (1-page): An endorsement letter from your Department Chair.