15The CIES International Travel Award (ITA) for Distinguished Service in Educational Reform was established in 2009 under the presidency of Gita Steiner-Khamsi—through an endowment from George Soros and the Open Society Institute (OSI)—and consolidated in 2012 under the presidency of Ratna Ghosh to encourage distinguished researchers and practitioners from the Global South to participate in CIES conferences. Launched at the 2009 annual conference, the endowment attempts to facilitate the participation of international education experts who serve in countries where international projects are implemented. The application deadline for the ITA is October 15th at 11:59 pm ET

Conference participants with distinguished service to the field, and in particular educational reforms are invited to apply. The award is available for anyone residing outside the U.S., and preference is given to those from or working in low and middle-income countries and the purpose is to support travel costs. Candidates who have received the award in the past are not eligible.

To complete the application for the ITA Award, submitters will need to upload three files (.docx or PDF) via this application form.

The three required documents should be created before you begin the application, as you will not be able to save the information and return to it later. The required materials are:

1. A 500-word personal statement of your service in educational reform
2. A copy of your conference proposal abstract, only (not the full paper or presentation); and
3. Your resume or curriculum vitae.

• Conference Registration Discounts: Available through a one-time discount code for online registration, which will reduce the cost of early bird registration
• Travel Stipends: Provided as a check in U.S. dollars at the Conference
• Child/Adult Daycare: Limited funding will be available for those requiring assistance. If alternative support options are unavailable, we encourage you to apply

Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for need-based funding (conference discounts, travel stipends, child/daycare):

• Conference Participation: Applicants must have a role in CIES 2025 (presenter, discussant, or chair). In-person attendance is required for travel stipends.
• Additional Source of Funding: Applicants must not have other sources of funding including reimbursement or compensation for registration fees, travel expenses, or support (in-kind or financial.)
• Current Membership: A paid CIES membership for 2024 is required. 
• Child/Adult Daycare Funding: Child care and daycare for dependent adults has limited availability. Applications will be considered only if no other support options are available.

To apply for conference support funding, please complete this form by October 4th, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET. This deadline is firm and will not be extended.

Applications will be reviewed by the CIES Treasurer and representatives from the UREAG, Gender and Education, Social Policy and Engagement, and New Scholars Committees. Notification will be sent by November 11th, 2024.

Recipients of the conference discounts will receive a code for registration, valid until November 18th, 2024 at 11:59 pm ET. Regular registration rates will apply starting November 19th, 2024.

Travel stipend recipients must present photo identification and travel receipts at the CIES 2024 registration desk to receive payment. Details regarding child/daycare subsidies will be included in recipient notification letters.

For questions, contact the OED at oed@cies.us