The iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) is offered to address a critical problem within the information sciences: a lack of diversity among its students and faculty.
To foster a culture of creativity, innovation and collaboration across disciplines, the information schools must actively recruit and develop students and faculty from underrepresented segments of the population. The iSchools need a diverse group of future leaders to take on the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. i3 is committed to developing those leaders.
Each year, approximately twenty undergraduate students from across the country are selected to become i3 Scholars. Those students undertake a yearlong experience that prepares them for graduate study in the information sciences and, ultimately, a rewarding career that matches their interests.
Held at the iSchool at the University of Pittsburgh in June, Scholars are immersed in special topics workshops and professional development sessions, receive mentoring from experts in academia and industry, and participate in field trips, tours and social events.
After the Introductory Institute, Scholars work in teams on a yearlong research project using social networking and collaborative technology. Teams select the topic for their research and are supported by an iSchool faculty member.
Scholars return to the University of Pittsburgh in the second year to present their research and network with iSchool faculty and industry professionals, with a heavy emphasis on professional development.
Although an intensive and challenging program, i3 prepares students for the rigor of graduate study in the information sciences. The United States based iSchools value the preparation provided by i3 and look forward to recruiting i3 Scholars to their graduate programs. Scholars are uniquely positioned to become the next generation of leaders in a field that is rapidly evolving.
If you are serious about developing your potential and your future, i3 is for you. Begin with the admissions criteria and the application, or see a day in the life of an i3 Scholar.
For answers to common questions, download the i3 FAQ document (PDF).