Discover more. Connect deeply. Find your qual oasi

The Young Professional Grant (YPG) celebrates the next great generation of young quallies! Submission Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026

About the Grant


The QRCA is a not-for-profit association of researchers involved in designing and implementing qualitative research, consisting of moderators, ethnographers, consumer experience specialists, online qualitative professionals, UX researchers, social media experts, branding and strategy authorities and more.


Every year, the QRCA convenes at the Annual Conference to hear the latest and greatest in qualitative innovation, while meeting others and forming invaluable partnerships. The qualitative world is tight knit and the connections coming out of these conferences are unparalleled.


The Young Professional Grant was created in 2014 to help advance young qualitative researchers’ careers via access to networking and educational sessions at the QRCA’s Annual Conference. Since 2014, we have awarded over 150 ambitious qualitative researchers.


Grants cover all conference registration fees, plus a one-year QRCA membership, and are awarded to up-and-coming young adults aged 35 years and younger.


The 13th annual Young Professionals Grant (YPG) is sponsored by Sylvestre & Co. and includes the following:

  • Registration to attend the 2027 QRCA Annual Conference in Palm Springs, CA from February 9-11, 2027 (a $1,300 USD value)*
  • A 1-year QRCA membership (a $175 USD value)
  • Access to over 30+ educational sessions led by qualitative experts


Grant Requirements:


The Young Professionals Grant (YPG) includes all registration fees where recipients can attend any of the 30+ educational sessions led by qualitative experts, a social event, all additional networking events, and luncheon and evening meals. This grant does not include travel or lodging expenses associated with attending the annual conference.

  • Aged 35 years or younger at the time of the conference
  • Your primary professional role is related to the design, conduct, analysis, or operations of primary qualitative research.
  • Non QRCA members: Must meet our standard membership qualifications.


Grants will be awarded based on age, experience level and personal statements provided by the applicant. All individuals must meet standard membership qualifications for attendance at the time they apply. Grant awards are non-transferable.


QRCA's 2027 Conference will be held in Palm Springs, CA, February 9-11, 2027.

Learn more about the Conference.


Questions?

Contact youngpro@qrca.org

  • Know a rising qual researcher who should apply?

    Application Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026

    Apply Here

Testimonials from Past Winners

  • 2024 Winner

    Fatima Gutierrez Jhong

    As someone new to the industry, attending the conference as a YPG member helped me ease into the experience. Being in a qual research specific event with professionals from different sectors allowed me to see the bigger picture. I see more possibilities for my career.

  • 2024 Winner

    Jacob Berexa

    QRCA YPG offers an excellent opportunity to meet people working in qualitative research across a range of industries. It is a warm, supportive, and encouraging environment for grantees to network, learn best practices in qual research, and understand the industry.

  • 2024 Winner

    Sarah Diamond

    It's so much more than a conference and membership but an amazing opportunity to progress in the qualitative space through networking, coffee chats, webinars and so much more; it's an invitation to be part of an amazing community of qualitative researchers.

+1 651-290-7491

info@qrca.org

N83 W13410 Leon Road, Menomonee Falls, WI, 53051


© 2026 QRCA