Through the NREA Foundation, the Chance family funds the Chance Memorial Dissertation Award in recognition of doctoral research that significantly contributes to rural education and addresses issues of current concern. The author of the dissertation, who is judged most meritorious, will be recognized and receive the award at the NREA National Forum to Advance Rural Education in Salt Lake City, Utah, in October 2025. Conference registration fees will be waived by NREA for the Dissertation of the Year winner and a stipend of $500.00 will be paid at the conference.
This rubric is used to judge submissions.
To submit a dissertation summary for consideration, go to this webpage to complete the online form and upload your dissertation summary as a single document. The summary should be no more than 20 pages (excluding references and appendices) and include the following information: (a) Background of Study, (b) Problem Statement, (c) Significance of Study for Rural Education, (d) Research Questions, (e) Methodology, (f) Findings, (g) Conclusions, (h) References, and (i) any Appendices.
Deadline for submission is July 31, 2025.