Eligible candidates are junior neurosurgical faculty within one year of finishing residency or fellowship. They can apply to the program during or before their first year as tenure-track faculty. Candidates may only apply to the program once (either as fellow or as faculty). Applicants also have a commitment from their department chair to provide five years of at least 50% protected time for research.

The NRCDP typically accepts 3 applicants per year. Please note that none of these may be faculty at the same institution where they completed residency. Applicants must be faculty at institutions within the United States and cannot be on a visa. If applicants fall into any of these categories, they may apply to participate in the retreat and obtain feedback but they will not be eligible for the actual K12 award.

The award includes $115,000 in salary support and $50,000 for supplies per year. Indirect rate (8%) is allowed. For the 2025 cohort, applications are due October 1, 2024. Award notifications will be made in January 2025.