Partners
- Drexel University
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Pittsburgh
Institutes
i3 seeks to identify promising undergraduate students and help them to explore the field through a series of events and projects. If accepted into the i3 program, you will attend a four-week summer institute in Year One; participate in a year-long research project; and come back for a two-week concluding institute in Year Two. The Institutes will take place at the School of Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh. All expenses - travel, lodging, dining -- are taken care of while you are in Pittsburgh. In addition, you'll receive a generous stipend during both Institutes.
In the first year, you'll explore the Information Sciences discipline, identify potential topics that match your interests, and learn how to access the opportunities (academic, career and financial) that are available. i3 will include practical seminars on applying to and succeeding in graduate school, as well as opportunities to attend cultural and social events. In addition, each Institute will feature nationally-recognized guest speakers, opportunities to meet and interact with faculty and students from various iSchools, and the chance to visit information-based corporations and organizations (of which there are many!).
After the first institute, you'll pursue a year-long team project (using social networking or collaborative technology) in an area you're passionate about - mentored every step of the way by our faculty. These projects will be determined by the team, but might range from building an online book club to designing a social networking site for a specific audience to creating an app for mobile devices.
In Year Two, you'll return to Pittsburgh for another two-week institute, where you will present your project, critique and review the projects by other teams, develop a career/course of study plan, and consult with representatives from many iSchools.
All courses and workshops will be taught by a team of iSchool faculty, doctoral students, and professionals.
A sample curriculum for the first i3 Institute is available here. Please note that this is a preliminary draft: the content of the Institute is subject to change.
You'll also benefit from spending a month, all expenses paid, exploring one of America's best-kept secrets: Pittsburgh (home to numerous universities and colleges, world-class museums, nationally-recognized sports teams and numerous information-based organizations). The City of Pittsburgh receives rave reviews for its art scene, the amazing parks and walking/biking trails that line our three rivers, and the diversity of architecture and people within the region. Don’t just take it from us … here is a listing of current rankings for the City of Pittsburgh and our surrounding area. . To learn more about how much there is to do in Pittsburgh, visit .
i3 is hosted by the School of Information Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, partnering with iSchools at Drexel University and Pennsylvania State University. They are members of the iSchools Caucus, a consortium of universities that offer degrees and research programs in the Information Sciences; members of the iSchools Caucus are supporting this program.