Application Deadline: February 16, 2018 2018 i3 Summer Research Program for Underrepresented Students Hosted at the University of Pittsburgh | Open to Students of All Majors www.ischool-inclusion.org
What is i3? The iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) is an undergraduate research and leadership development program that prepares students from underrepresented populations for graduate study and careers in the information sciences. Only 25 students from across the country are selected each year to become i3 Scholars. Those students undertake a yearlong experience that includes two summer institutes hosted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Computing and Information and a research project spanning the year.
Introductory Institute: June 17-July 14, 2018
Held on the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh
Participate in special-topic workshops that highlight the many specialties and research areas in the information sciences
Take part in professional development seminars led by industry and research experts that focus on graduate school applications, mentoring, résumé building, and networking
Complete two-week modules on research design and programming (beginner and advanced sessions) taught by PhD teaching fellows from top-tier iSchools
Form research teams and work with advisors to design a yearlong research project
Team Research Project i3 Scholars return home and work with team members remotely to complete a yearlong project
Each team is supported by a research advisor
Students gain experience with project management tools and collaborative technology
Interdisciplinary project topics blend social and technical aspects
Concluding Institute: Summer 2019, Two Weeks i3 Scholars return to the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh to complete the program
Develop a research poster and copresent your team’s project
Learn about submitting your project to the iConference and other leading research conferences
Network with the new cohort of i3 Scholars and join the i3 Alumni Association
Program Funding and Benefits
Receive full funding for program expenses, including transportation to and from Pittsburgh, campus housing, and meals
Earn a stipend while you complete the program: $1,200 for the Introductory Institute | $600 for the Concluding Institute
Prepare for the GRE with free training sessions
The iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) is funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and is hosted by the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Information Sciences.
i3 Scholars explore the information sciences and graduate school opportunities while networking with professionals from across the country
The information sciences focus on helping people to discover better information, design and use better technology, and make better decisions to solve problems. Whether those problems are in business, medicine, education, the arts, or any number of other fields, information professionals are able to grapple with the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.
i3 welcomes students from all majors and academic disciplines. The information sciences are incredibly diverse and interdisciplinary. With so many different specializations, students can find a program that meets their interests.
Research Project Publications i3 Scholars work remotely to complete their yearlong research projects under the guidance of an advisor. Once they complete the program, i3 Scholars are encouraged to submit their projects for publication at academic conferences. Over 20 projects have been published at conferences such as iConference, CSCW, and IEEE SeGAH (a sample of past projects is listed below). i3 Scholars receive travel funding to present their work at conferences.
Information Occupation: Using Information Science to Explore the Occupy Wall Street Social Movement
#ReproHealth: A State-Based Investigation of Reproductive Health Rights Policy and Social Media Activity
To Give or Not to Give: How Does Emotion Evoked from Crowdfunding Videos Influence Donations
The Customer Is Always Right: Analyzing Existing Market Feedback to Improve TVs
iGo Green: A Life Cycle Assessment of Apple's iPhone
Entering the Boys' Club: An Analysis of Female Representation in Video Game Culture
Social Network Identity: Facebook, Twitter, and Identity Negotiation Theory
Tweet for Democracy: Examining the Monitorial Citizen
"Our Experiences Are Not Unique": An Exploratory Study of Common Motivators and Inhibitors for Latinas in STEM Fields
Hacked: A Qualitative Analysis of Media Coverage of the Sony Breach
Submit an online application with responses to three short essay questions
Two letters of recommendation must be submitted online by your references
Upload your undergraduate transcripts as part of your online application
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only 25 Scholar placements are available in the 2018 cohort. Early applications will receive priority consideration.
All application materials must be received by February 16, 2018.