AIR Forum Scholarship
The AIR Forum Scholarship provides financial support to help eligible professionals attend the AIR Forum and participate in high-quality professional development within the institutional research and effectiveness community.
The 2026 AIR Forum Scholarship program is funded by the Julia M. Duckwall Memorial Scholarship Fund, reflecting AIR’s enduring commitment to expanding access to professional development opportunities.
2026 AIR Forum Scholarship Details
Eligible registrants may receive a $200 scholarship toward their 2026 AIR Forum registration.
Award Details
- Amount: $200 toward AIR Forum registration
- Availability: Limited to 250 scholarships, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
- Limit: One scholarship per registrant
Eligibility
Applicants must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Work in a small IR/IE office (fewer than 3 full-time equivalent staff)
- Be an early-career professional (fewer than 5 years in the field)
- Be a first-time AIR Forum attendee in 2026
- Work at an under-resourced institution (total institutional expenditures under $75 million in the most recent fiscal year)
Not eligible: Graduate Student, Emeritus, and Retired members (who already receive discounted rates), as well as sponsors and nonmembers.
How to Apply
You will apply as part of the AIR Forum registration process. If eligible, a voucher code will be issued for use at checkout.
Scholarships
About the Julia M. Duckwall Memorial Scholarship Fund
The Julia M. Duckwall Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the AIR Board of Directors in memory and in honor of Julia Duckwall, a dedicated leader and advocate within the AIR community.
At the time of her passing in January 2002, Julia served on the AIR Board of Directors as Professional Development Services Committee Chair and worked as a Senior Research Analyst in the Office of Institutional Research at Johnson County Community College. She was widely respected for her professional expertise and remembered for her warmth, generosity, and unwavering passion for advancing the field of institutional research.
As former AIR President Robert Toutkoushian reflected:
“Julia was an enthusiastic supporter of the need for high-quality professional development opportunities for our members. Not only was Julia well respected within the profession for her skills and knowledge, but also for her warmth and friendship.”
Through the Duckwall Fund, Julia’s legacy continues to support professional development opportunities for AIR members, including the AIR Forum Scholarship.
Past Scholarships
Julia M. Duckwall Scholarship Program
The Julia M. Duckwall Professional Development Scholarship program facilitated the professional growth and development of early-career institutional research professionals.
Jeff Seybert/National Higher Education Benchmarking Institute Scholarship Program
The Jeff Seybert/National Higher Education Benchmarking Institute Scholarship facilitated the professional growth and development of early-career institutional research professionals employed at community colleges by providing assistance to attend the annual AIR Forum.
Edward Delaney Scholarship Program
The Edward Delaney Scholarship facilitated the professional growth and development of early-career institutional research professionals by providing assistance to attend the annual AIR Forum.