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Program Snapshot
- 16-month cohort experience
- Independent impact project
- Monthly virtual cohort sessions
- In-person networking and learning opportunities
- Collaboration across Illinois public universities
- Final presentation and project deliverables
Overview
Over this 16-month program, cohort members develop and refine an independent project while learning new strategies from industry experts, leveraging human-centered design strategies, and growing their professional networks.
Fellows are faculty, staff, researchers, and professional leaders from across the Illinois Innovation Network who are advancing projects with the potential to create lasting impact across institutions, communities, and sectors.
Purpose
The IIN Fellows Program provides a unique opportunity for faculty, staff, researchers, and professionals across the Illinois Innovation Network to advance a project that creates impact beyond a single campus or community.
Throughout the Fellowship, participants apply human-centered design principles to better understand stakeholder needs, test solutions, and strengthen the impact of their projects. The program includes:
- A structured framework for moving ideas into action
- Opportunities to collaborate across Illinois’ public universities
- Access to peers working on complex challenges in education, workforce development, health, technology, sustainability, and community engagement
- Visibility for their work across the IIN ecosystem
- Professional development focused on leadership, innovation, and systems-level impact
- Funding for their time and / or projects
By the end of the program, Fellows leave with tangible project outcomes, expanded networks, and practical experience leading initiatives that benefit communities across Illinois.
Outcomes may include; toolkits and playbooks; pilot programs; research informed resources; professional development initiatives; conferences and convenings; community engagement models; technology and innovation solutions.
Projects in Action
Each Fellow leads an independent project designed to strengthen the reach and impact of the Illinois Innovation Network. Recent projects have focused on:
- Artificial intelligence and community development
- Digital health and broadband access
- Workforce development and professional learning
- Sustainability and infrastructure resilience
- Technology-enabled education
- Research translation and innovation ecosystems
- Responsible use of emerging technologies
> Learn more about the 2026-27 Fellow Projects
> 2026-27 IIN Fellows Program Directory
Applying to the IIN Fellows Program
The IIN Fellows Program is designed for individuals who are ready to lead a project with statewide relevance and collaborate across institutional boundaries.
Strong candidates often include:
- Faculty members
- Professional staff
- Researchers
- Program leaders
- Community-engaged practitioners
- Emerging and established leaders within the IIN network
Successful Fellows bring curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to advancing solutions that benefit Illinois communities and the greater Illinois Innovation Network.
Applications for the 2026-27 academic year have closed. The 2027-28 Fellows Cohort will begin accepting applications in early 2027. Join our mailing list to be notified when the next application period opens.
Questions? Contact Nikki Yagoda at nyagoda@uillinois.edu
