UPCEA Jim Fong Grant for Advancing Online and Professional Education

Application Deadline: July 28, 2025

Honoring Innovation & Impact in Online and Professional Education

UPCEA is proud to announce the launch of the Jim Fong Grant for Advancing Online and Professional Education, honoring the legacy of Jim Fong, UPCEA’s first Chief Research Officer and founder of UPCEA Research & Consulting, upon his retirement. With a career spanning over two decades, Jim has been a transformative figure in higher education, championing data-driven strategies and innovative approaches to online and professional learning.

This annual grant is designed to support UPCEA member institutions, especially those with limited research capacity, in driving meaningful innovation and evidence-based improvements in the field.

The grant is designed to:

  • Empower institutions with resource constraints to conduct meaningful market research and/or benchmarking analysis.
  • Encourage data-driven decision-making to enhance student success, workforce alignment, and institutional effectiveness.
  • Support market/product research initiatives that address key challenges and opportunities in online and professional education.
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Award & Support:

  • The grant provides funding for UPCEA conducted research and consulting support to aid a member in making decisions with data to support their recommendations and/or best utilize their resources for maximum impact.
  • Recipients will have the opportunity to share their findings with the UPCEA community through a report, webinar, or conference presentation.
  • There will be one award given annually between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

Selection Criteria:

  • Institutional Need: Preference for institutions with limited internal market and/or benchmarking research capacity.
  • Project Impact: Potential contribution to the field and relevance to current challenges.
  • Feasibility & Project Goals: A clear research plan with achievable outcomes.
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Application Process: 

Applicants must submit an application in the UPCEA portal outlining:

  1. The research topic and its significance.
  2. The anticipated impact on online and professional education.
  3. The methodology and project timeline.
  4. Brief overview of the applicant’s operating budget and how the funding will support the institution’s research efforts.

Applications Open: June 16, 2025

Apply Now

Application Deadline: July 28, 2025

Honoring the Legacy of Jim Fong

The UPCEA Jim Fong Grant for Advancing Online and Professional Education celebrates the enduring impact of Jim Fong, UPCEA’s founding Chief Research Officer and the visionary behind UPCEA Research and Consulting. Throughout his career, Jim championed data-driven decision-making and innovation in online and professional education. Under his leadership, UPCEA Research & Consulting became a trusted partner to hundreds of institutions, helping them navigate challenges with actionable insights.

In recognition of his invaluable contributions, Jim has been honored with the title of Chief Advisor for Research, Strategy, and Innovation, allowing him to continue offering insights and contributing to special projects within UPCEA.

The Jim Fong Grant embodies his dedication to empowering institutions through research and innovation, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire and drive progress in online and professional education.