IIN Fellows Program
Over this 16-month program, cohort members will develop and refine an independent project while learning new strategies. and tools from industry experts and growing their professional networks.
> Apply for the IIN Fellows Program
Key program activities and components:
- Lead a significant IIN programming or research project
- Propose your own or select one from the list of Council suggestions
- Attend Project Sync Sessions every four weeks (via Zoom).
- 30 minutes: Guest speaker
- 30 minutes: Three Fellow-led project updates monthly (rotating)
- Attend two in-person sessions, Cohort Session 2 and the Midpoint Review
- Cohort Session 2: Project Refinement Strategies and Tools
- April 9, 2026: Chicago, Location TBD based on Fellow selection
- Midpoint Review: Presentations and Project Updates
- September 24, 2026: Location TBD to align with IIN Council Meeting
- Final presentation with action plan to IIN Council at end of Fellows program
- Act as an IIN brand ambassador at public events and professional settings
- Work alongside top IIN leadership to refine projects and maximize impact
- Cohort Session 2: Project Refinement Strategies and Tools
Target audience:
The IIN Fellows program will recruit up to 10 individuals per cohort to advance IIN initiatives. The following criteria are required for eligibility:
- Applicants must be:
- Current faculty (tenured or non-tenured) at one of the 15 IIN hubs
– OR – - Current administrators / staff at one of the 15 IIN hubs
- Current faculty (tenured or non-tenured) at one of the 15 IIN hubs
- Completion of the Employer Acknowledgement Form (once selected)
- Residency in US throughout Fellows program (authorized to work or study)
- Professional experience relevant to the selected project (enthusiasm required; expertise not required)
Independent (Pilot) Projects
Each Fellow will lead their own independent project with support from the IIN staff liaison, other Fellows, and a network of IIN supporters. Monthly sessions support skill-building and encourage gradual progress.
Suggest your own project that advances the mission / impact of the IIN (including the EnergySense Resilience Center and the Illinois Broadband Lab) or select a project from the list of IIN Council and program Priorities:
- Coordinate and review the preparation and submission of applications: Carnegie Foundation Classification for Community Engagement
- Review and prepare IIN collaboration recognition applications: University Economic Development Association (UEDA), Association of Public and Land Grant Universities, and other external recognition applications
- Promote, plan and implement cross-training collaborations and opportunities for IIN institutional members, including joint immersion, shared training, and other modalities and programs
- Model, develop instructional documents, and support implementation of the use of shared services throughout IIN hubs
- Conduct an analysis of and recommendations for University preparedness, planning, and mitigation for energy and water impacts of data center projects across the IIN.
- Develop, negotiate and implement a shared global engagement plan with specific members of the Organization of American States members
- Design, implement, and maintain a collaborative volunteer digital inclusion partnership throughout the state in partnership with the Illinois Broadband Lab and its partner organizations
Additionally, the Lead/Co-Leads for the 2026 and 2027 Sustainability and Social Innovation Conference become fellows upon selection of the IIN conference site. The funding for conference fellows is determined according to needs.
Successful completion of the IIN Fellows project includes:
- Final presentation to the IIN Council
- Written report with project documentation
- Implementation and / or Transition plan
How to Apply
Interested in becoming a 2026 IIN Fellow? Complete the application before February 16 for consideration. Decisions will be shared on or before March 11, with the cohort beginning in April 2026.
> Apply for the IIN Fellows Program
Applications will be reviewed by the IIN with special emphasis given to the proposed project and approach and alignment with Council priorities. To ensure geographic and representational diversity, we may limit the number of Fellows from the same institutions within each cohort.
Program Requirements
IIN Fellows will:
- Lead and launch an independent project.
- Includes Council Presentation, project documentation, implementation, and transition plan
- Attend monthly virtual meetings and two in-person sessions with their Fellows cohort
- Act as a brand ambassador for IIN at events, professional gatherings, and work closely with your institution’s council member.
- Support the growth of other projects in your cohort and act as a mentor for future cohorts
IIN Fellows Receive:
- $15,000 grant on a fixed price payment basis*
- Formal recognition for their talent and contributions to the IIN
- Monthly programming designed around skill-building and project success
- Mentorship and professional development opportunities with top IIN leadership and industry experts
*Funds will be awarded as sponsored project funds. Allowable costs include compensation, travel, program supplies, and direct costs. Non-allowable costs include all indirect costs. Non U-of-I entities will need to route their approved application to their sponsored projects office for review and approval. U-of-I entitles will be asked to provide additional information as requested. All approved applicants must complete the Employer Approval form to participate in the Fellows program. Funds for conference Fellows is set at $7,500 per fellow with conference event funding handled separately.