Three psychologists whose work has focused on the benefits of preschool for young children have won the 2008 University of Louisville Grawemeyer Award for Education. The $200,000 prize is shared by Walter S. Gilliam, PhD, an assistant professor of child psychiatry and psychology at Yale University; Edward F. Zigler, PhD, a professor emeritus of psychology at Yale; and Stephanie M. Jones, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Fordham University.

The scholars won for the ideas laid out in their book, "A Vision for Universal Preschool Education" (Cambridge University Press, 2006). Based on four decades of research, the book argues that adopting a universal preschool education program in the United States would improve the school readiness of young children. The book also says it would lower high-school dropout rates, reduce crime and bolster the economy.