DPS strongly encourages anyone interested in submitting a proposal to do so as far in advance as possible of the proposed start date.  Researchers must submit a complete, well-conceived, thorough application for the Research Review committee to make an informed decision on the applications.  If your research proposal is denied, you must wait 12 months before resubmitting your application package.

All proposals are reviewed by the DPS Research Review Committee. It is the goal of the DPS Research Review Committee (RRC) to notify all researchers within 4 weeks of the submission date of their research proposal of the RRC’s decision regarding their submitted research proposal.  The table below outlines the research proposal due dates for the 2025-26 school year.

• Submissions for the July cycle are proposals to begin in the fall or spring of the 2025-26 school year. 

• Submissions for the October cycle are proposals to begin in the spring of the 2025-26 school year. 

• Submissions for the April cycle are proposals to begin in the fall of the 2026-27 school year. This is a longer cycle for researchers who need more time for planning/preparation prior to the July submission cycle. 

All research must be completed by April 30th of the respective school year. All research projects that require multiple years of study still require annual submission and approval. DPS staff may apply for dissertation research.  A planning meeting with Research and Accountability is strongly recommended.