Are you an emerging talent seeking opportunities for growth?
Explore the Internet2 Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program
The I2EL Scholarship application to attend TechEX25, Dec. 8-12 in Denver, Colo. will open in mid-August.
The Internet2 Emerging Leaders (I2EL) Program is designed to support and elevate rising talent within the research and education (R&E) technology community. Our dynamic community is filled with emerging leaders—bright, talented individuals whose growth is essential to the future of research, education, and IT.
While the talent is abundant, the path forward isn’t always clear. Many institutions face common challenges in offering strong, visible professional development and career growth opportunities.
In its initial phase, the program will be centered around Internet2’s two anchor events, Community Exchange and Technology Exchange. Through these events, participants will:
- Engage with community thought leaders in small, focused sessions
- Build meaningful peer connections
- Deepen their involvement in the broader R&E community
For more information on sponsoring I2EL, contact us.
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Ultimately, I2EL aims to help grow and retain the talent that will lead our community into the future. By supporting the people who power progress, we strengthen the community and ensure it remains a thriving hub for innovation, collaboration, and leadership.
Scholarship Eligibility
The I2EL Scholarship is designed to reflect the breadth and variety of the Internet2 community and invites applications from individuals representing a wide range of professional backgrounds and experiences.
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- Are affiliated with a non-profit organization that is an active part of the Internet2 community, including higher education institutions, research and education networks, and research and education organizations that would be eligible for Internet2 membership.
- Are early- or mid-career professionals, graduate students, or interns. (See below)
- Are attending their first Internet2 Community Exchange (formerly Global Summit) or Technology Exchange.
- Demonstrate leadership potential, via self-assessment or nomination by a manager/supervisor.
- Play a key role in advancing research or enterprise infrastructure, particularly in central IT, distributed IT, or research operations.
- Are not the senior-most IT or research leader (e.g., CIO, CTO, VP for Research).
- Have institutional or organizational endorsement to apply and participate at the event.
- May demonstrate financial need (not required, but considered).
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- Early career: Individuals in the first few years of their current profession; this includes recent graduates, those returning to the workforce (e.g., after caregiving), or professionals transitioning into new roles within the R&E community.
- Mid-career: Professionals have accumulated experience and growing leadership roles, but who show potential for further development, as well as those returning to the workforce (e.g., after caregiving).
Scholarship Benefits
The I2EL Scholarship opens doors for emerging IT professionals by supporting their attendance at Internet2’s anchor events—Community Exchange and Technology Exchange.
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- Travel support and registration for an Internet2 annual conference (aligned with Internet2 travel policies).
- A pre-conference orientation with fellow recipients and Internet2 staff.
- Dedicated time at the beginning and the end of the event to allow participants to interact with one another, as well as Internet2 staff.
- Facilitated networking, including hosted meals with experienced community members who offer career guidance and event insights.
- Touch-base session(s) during the event, to provide additional leadership content and ensure participants are having successful event engagement.
- Formal recognition at a designated meal and with a certificate of participation.
- Opportunities for connections to national and international leaders across the R&E IT ecosystem.
- Opportunities to meet peers and participants from related initiatives such as the Network Startup Resource Center (NSRC), Workforce in Networking at SC (WINS), and the Minority Serving – Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (MS-CC).
- Access to a wide variety of conference sessions tailored for both emerging and experienced professionals.
- A gateway to future engagement, including potential roles in Internet2 working groups, participation in future I2EL activities (as a mentor or alumni), and potential involvement in leadership opportunities like the Internet2 Community Leadership and Culture (I2CLC) Steering Committee.
“Attending TechEX has significantly enriched my knowledge and positively
influenced my career trajectory. I now feel a stronger connection to the Internet2 community, and the
information and technology specialists in the academic sphere.”
Zhaneille Green, E-Access Librarian at Duke University
Still have questions about the
Internet2 Emerging Leaders Scholarship?
Contact:
Taleitha is the Community Relationships Program Manager for Internet2. She has over 18 years of experience working in and with government entities. She also has experience in higher education and the private sector. Taleitha is passionate about engagement, partnership, collaboration, and programming that supports the development and growth of individuals and organizations she serves.
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