Scholarships and Grants

ACRP is proud to launch its 2026 scholarship and grant opportunities that aim to address representation within the clinical research workforce.

The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is committed to providing crucial financial assistance to support underrepresented students pursuing careers and professional growth in clinical research.

The applications for all 2026 opportunities are now closed. ACRP will notify all applicants of their status no later than February 27, 2026.

Candidates may only apply for one scholarship or grant per cycle.

ACRP Access for Students to Clinical Research Training (ASCRT) Scholarship Program

The ASCRT Scholarship program aims to empower students, with a focus on those who are entering or are at the early stages of their clinical research careers, to gain access to the education and training needed to excel in their clinical research careers and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes for all. Watch this video for inspiration from a 2025 ASCRT recipient who used the funds to pursue a MD-PhD program at Stanford University School of Medicine this fall.

Career Entry Pathway

Designed for students enrolled in associate or undergraduate programs who are at the beginning of their careers, this pathway provides financial support to help students gain foundational education and training in clinical research. By focusing on entry-level skills and knowledge, this scholarship aims to empower students to start their careers with a strong base and a clear understanding of the clinical research field, setting them on a path to excel and contribute to improving healthcare outcomes. Three $5,000 scholarships will be awarded. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is available to ACRP members and nonmembers who are currently enrolled in associate or undergraduate clinical research programs. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All applicants MUST have an ACRP user account before submitting their application. Create a new user account or check to see if you already have an ACRP account here.

 

Professional Growth Pathway

Tailored for students enrolled in graduate-level programs who seek to advance their clinical research careers, this pathway offers financial support to help students deepen their expertise and develop specialized skills through advanced education and training. It is intended to support students in building on their existing knowledge and experience, enhancing their potential to lead, innovate, and make impactful contributions to healthcare and clinical research. One scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is available to ACRP members and nonmembers who are currently enrolled in graduate-level clinical research programs. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All applicants MUST have an ACRP user account before submitting their application. Create a new user account or check to see if you already have an ACRP account here.

 

NEW! ACRP Certification Scholarship

ACRP Certification is the industry’s most recognized and respected endorsement for clinical research competency. Earning a certification from ACRP tells the world you possess knowledge that goes far beyond the basics, understanding how clinical research is conducted safely, ethically, and in accordance with International Conference on Harmonization’s (ICH) efficacy guidelines. 

To expand access to this career-changing opportunity, the ACRP Certification Scholarship will provide financial support for individuals pursuing one of ACRP’s flagship certifications: ACRP-CP®, CCRA®, CCRC®, and CPI®. By covering the application, exam, comprehensive exam preparation package and one year of ACRP Membership, this scholarship aims to reduce financial barriers, advance the careers of clinical researchers from a wide range of backgrounds, and support a more inclusive and representative workforce. The awarded certification exam must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year in which it is awarded (two available exam cycles). The scholarship covers one exam attempt only. If you do not pass, you may retake the exam without reapplying, but you will be responsible for all retest fees. Ten $1,200 scholarships will be awarded. The deadline to apply is December 2, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria: This scholarship is available to ACRP members and nonmembers who demonstrate a commitment to a clinical research career and a desire to contribute to improving access and representation in the field. You must also meet the eligibility requirements to sit for one of ACRP’s certification exams (ACRP-CP®, CCRA®, CCRC®, or CPI®) by the time of application submission. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All applicants MUST have an ACRP user account before submitting their application. Create a new user account or check to see if you already have an ACRP account here.

 

ACRP Continuing Education Grants

The ACRP Continuing Education Grant provides $2,000 to clinical researchers to attend the ACRP 2026 Annual Conference, Friday, April 24 – Monday, April 27, in Orlando. The grants provide valuable opportunities to network with—and learn from—leaders in their profession at the premier education and networking event for clinical research professionals.

The award will support the recipient in covering the costs of registration fees for ACRP 2026 (valued at $999) as well as a travel stipend to offset the costs of transportation and lodging of up to $1,000. Ten $2,000 grants will be awarded. The application deadline is December 2, 2025.

Eligibility Criteria: This grant is available to ACRP members and non-members who are seeking career advancement in the field or are currently enrolled in a clinical research program. For non-members, the grant will cover dues for the current membership year AND registration to the ACRP Annual Conference. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. All applicants MUST have an ACRP user account before submitting their application. Create a new user account or check to see if you already have an ACRP account here.

 

Funds are raised through ACRP’s Rally4Researchers, the clinical research industry’s premier cycling fundraiser that supports a representative, research-ready clinical research workforce. “Everyone should have an equal opportunity to pursue their dreams. My goal is to raise awareness and funds to support clinical researchers from diverse communities. Representation matters!” says Scott Chatterton, ACRP Rally4Researchers Rider.

Announcement of Recipients

ACRP will notify all applicants of their status no later than February 27, 2026.

Conflict of Interest

Scholarship and grant application reviewers will make every effort to avoid conflicts of interest by recusing themselves from the evaluation of any applicant known to them personally.

Questions? Contact Kara Bastarache, CAE, Senior Manager, ACRP Workforce Development.