Graduate-Level Academic Thesis Award

Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling

Graduate-Level Academic Thesis Award      

(Two grant cycles per year.  Individuals are eligible for one grant per year up to $3,000 each plus Travel/Registration support for ECPG/NCPG conferences. Anticipate three awards given per year.) 

An award to support graduate students currently enrolled in a master’s Program and working on their master’s Theses in the fields of psychology, social work, cognitive, or behavioral science on topics related to Gambling and/or Gaming Disorder Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery at an accredited College or University in Washington State. These awards are offered to support students who are committed to careers in psychology, and related mental health/social sciences to support Prevention, Treatment, Recovery, and Research in the field.  

Individuals from groups that have historically been underrepresented in psychology, social work, cognitive, or behavioral sciences are encouraged to apply.   

Deadlines:  

Grant Cycle 1: October 1 (Annually)
Grant Cycle 2: April 1 (Annually)

Eligibility 

  • Be currently enrolled in a master’s program in psychology, social work, cognitive, or behavioral science (or related discipline) at an accredited college or university located in Washington State and under the direction of a Faculty Advisor or Advisory Committee. Thesis projects must not have been published previously and must represent original research and critical analysis.  
  • Applicants must have psychology, social work, cognitive, or behavioral science with an emphasis on Addictions, including Gambling/Gaming Disorders as the primary focus of their graduate studies (even if they are receiving training in other fields as well).  
  • Applicants must be in good standing in their graduate programs.  
  • Applicants must be enrolled full-time or working on their master’s research for an equivalent of full-time enrollment regardless of actual registration status.  
  • Applicants must have had their master’s thesis proposals approved by their advisory committees prior to application.  

How to apply 

Please be advised that ECPG does not provide feedback to applicants on proposals.  

Applicants are asked to provide the following materials (one-inch margins, 12-point Garamond/Times New Roman font, single space): 

  1. Application: completed online application by 11:59 p.m. PT on the day of the deadline 
  1. Cover letter:  One page maximum; describing your research interests and experience, your career plans, and statement of need.  
  1. Master’s Thesis summary:  Three-page maximum; including project background and rationale, explanation of research design (methods, procedure, analysis plan, etc., anticipated outcomes, significance, and impact.  One additional page listing reference may be included (citations should be included in the text).  The research summary must not exceed the two-page limit including any figures or tables.  
  1. Timeline and Budget:  Two-page maximum; brief explanation of timeline for completed and proposed use of funds. (typically, ECPG awards are for one year). 
  1. Abbreviated curriculum vitae:  Two-page maximum; including scientific publications, presentations, research, and teaching experience (the curriculum vitae may contain only highlights and does not need to be a complete version).  
  1. Letters of Recommendation: two letters of recommendation: 
  • One letter of recommendation should come from your master’s Thesis faculty advisor.  The second letter may come from other advisors and/or professors from your graduate program and should be a maximum of one page each.  Applicants should inform letter writers to adhere to this page limit.  These letters should highlight the significance of your graduate work and research, as well as your potential supporting the field of Gambling/Gaming Disorders in research, prevention, treatment, or recovery.   Please do not arrange for more than two letters of recommendation to be submitted.  
  • The letter writers must submit the letters directly to the Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling — ECPG/master’s Thesis Awards via email to studentaid@evergreencpg.org
  • The student applying for the grant is responsible for confirming that the faculty members have emailed their letters before the deadline.  This is the student’s responsibility, and applications that do not include both letters of recommendation before the application deadline will be disqualified.  

Requirements of Acceptance 

  1. Awards are made to individuals.  ECPG does not allow institutional indirect costs or overhead costs; funding for political or lobbying purposes; entertainment or fundraising expenses.  By the end of the academic year, each award recipient must submit a final report (no more than three pages) specifying how the funds were used, which must be signed by the chair or head of the department or the student’s faculty advisor.  
  1. Recipients will be required to present (poster or breakout session per ECPG discretion) at either the Spring Focus on the Future conference or the Fall Four Directions conference.  Note: travel costs and registration fees will be covered by ECPG.  
  1. ECPG may recommend one or more recipients to support for submission to the National Council on Problem Gambling’s annual master’s Thesis Award.   ECPG will help support travel and registration costs for any recommended recipient who is chosen for the National Award. 

Please keep in mind: 

  • ECPG Staff will review all applications for eligibility.  Incomplete or ineligible applications will not be considered.  
  • Your application materials (described in this section) must be received by ECPG on or before the application deadline.  
  • All applicants for the award will be notified of funding decisions via email within 30 days of submission deadline.
  • Be sure to keep a copy of all submitted materials for your records. 

 About ECPG 

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing services and programs for those with a gambling problem/gambling disorder, their families, employers, students, treatment professionals, and the greater community through gambling and gaming disorder treatment support, information, and education, advocacy, research, and prevention efforts.  Founded in 1991, ECPG maintains a position of neutrality on gambling and gaming, recognizing that most people who participate in gambling and gaming do so for recreation and suffer no serious problems.  However, for some, gambling and gaming can become serious addictions, devastating to the individual and family.   

ECPG Mission 

The Evergreen Council on Problem Gambling is dedicated to increasing awareness of public health issues around problem gambling and gaming, expanding the availability and integration of services, and supporting advocacy, research, and programs for education, prevention, treatment, recovery, and responsible gambling and gaming.  


Before You Get Started

Please read all instructions carefully.  In order for an application to be considered, it must be completed with all attachments (See Checklist).  Late or incomplete applications will NOT be considered.

You will not be able to save your progress when filling in the form. We recommend having everything you’ll need ready before starting your submission.