Internet Society Fellowship Program > Internet Society Fellowship Program Frequently Asked Questions
Internet Society Fellowship Program Frequently Asked Questions
Internet Society Fellowship Program > Internet Society Fellowship Program FAQs
Internet Society Fellowship Program Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the Program
What is the Internet Society Fellowship Program?
The Internet Society Fellowship Program is a structured learning and leadership experience that combines online training, mentorship, a practical project, and an event. Participants build knowledge, skills, capabilities, and networks while working on projects that strengthen and expand the Internet in their communities.
What are the different tracks available?
The program is organized around three tracks with two sub-tracks each:
1. Internet Policy and Mobilization
a. Internet Policy
b. Community Mobilization
2. Internet Connectivity
a. Community-Centered Connectivity
b. Peering
3. Internet Safety and Security
a. Systems Security
b. Online Trust and Safety
Who can participate in the program?
The program is open to anyone interested in building their knowledge and skills in Internet policy, community mobilization, connectivity, Internet safety, and security.
Anyone must first enroll in the Pre-Fellowship Training.
Participants who successfully complete the required training become eligible to apply for the Fellowship Program.
Fellowship selection is competitive and based on the quality, feasibility, and potential impact of the applicant’s proposed project.
Will the Early Career Fellowship, Youth Ambassador Program, Community Advocacy Fellowship, Peering Fellowship, and Mid Career Fellowship still exist?
No. The Internet Society Fellowship Program has evolved into a unified model that brings together learning and development opportunities previously offered through separate fellowship programs into a single experience that includes pre-fellowship training, foundational leadership learning, mentorship, project implementation, opportunities for expert engagement, and participation in relevant Internet community events.
If you are interested in participating, we encourage you to explore the Fellowship tracks and sub-tracks on this website to identify the area that best aligns with your interests, expertise, and project goals.
Are the IETF Policymaker Program and Pulse Research Fellowship and Mentorship part of the Fellowship Program?
No. The IETF Policymaker Program and Pulse Research Fellowship and Mentorship operate independently and are not part of the Internet Society Fellowship Program. These programs have their own program structures and timelines.
For more information, please visit the IETF Policymaker Program and Pulse Research Fellowship and Mentorship pages.
Training and Eligibility
What is the Pre‑Fellowship Training?
The Pre‑Fellowship Training is a series of self‑paced online courses designed to prepare participants for the Fellowship Program. Participants can complete the courses at their own pace within the specified completion period.
How long does the training take?
Participants should expect to dedicate approximately 30 hours to the training. These estimates do not include time spent developing their proposed project.
Can I enroll in more than one track?
No. Participants may enroll in one track and sub-track per cycle. You should select the sub-track that best aligns with your interests, experience, and project goals when enrolling in the Pre-Fellowship Training.
Do I become a fellow when I enroll in the training?
No. Participants who enroll in the training are trainees, not fellows. Completing the required training makes participants eligible to apply for the fellowship, but selection remains competitive and is based on set criteria, including the quality, feasibility, and potential impact of the proposed project.
Do I have to complete the training before applying for the fellowship?
Yes. Candidates must have successfully completed the required Pre‑Fellowship Training modules before they are eligible to apply for the fellowship.
Can applicants use generative AI tools when preparing their fellowship applications?
While the use of generative AI tools to support the preparation of fellowship applications is not prohibited, these tools should serve only as supportive resources, e.g., language translation, grammar correction, accessibility needs, etc.
Â
Applicants are expected to use their own words and ideas to build an application that accurately represents their experience, expertise, and project vision. It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure that all information in their applications is accurate, truthful, and relevant to the proposed fellowship program for which they are applying.
Â
When using public AI tools, avoid entering confidential information or personally identifiable information, and ensure that your use of these tools aligns with all applicable data protection laws, regulations, and policies.
Â
If you have questions about these guidelines, please contact [email protected].
Project Development
Do I need to have a fully developed project before enrolling?
No. You only need an area of interest when you begin the training. The program will help you develop, refine, and strengthen your project proposal before you submit your fellowship application.
When should I start developing my project idea?
Participants are encouraged to begin developing their project idea during the Pre-Fellowship Training. The training is designed to help trainees refine their ideas and develop a realistic, achievable project proposal before applying for the fellowship.
What kind of projects can be proposed?
Projects should address a challenge or opportunity related to the Internet and align with the Internet Society’s mission. Depending on the track and sub-track, projects may include policy initiatives, community campaigns, research, training programs, technical deployments, awareness activities, tools, or other practical interventions.
Can I work on a project that is already underway?
Yes. Applicants may build upon existing initiatives, provided the proposed fellowship project includes clearly defined objectives, activities, and outcomes that can be achieved during the fellowship period.
Can multiple applicants submit the same project?
No. Fellowship applications are assessed individually, and each applicant is expected to submit their own project proposal.
Can fellows work together on projects?
Fellows are selected and funded as individuals. However, collaboration and peer support are encouraged where appropriate, particularly when projects address related challenges or opportunities.
Do I own my project idea?
Yes. Project plans remain the property of their creators. Participants retain ownership of their ideas and may continue to develop and implement them independently, whether or not they are selected for the fellowship.
Fellowship Application and Selection
How are fellows selected?
Eligible applicants submit a fellowship application, including a project proposal. Applications are reviewed against a set selection criteria.
How are project proposals evaluated?
Project proposals are evaluated against a set criteria, including their relevance, feasibility, potential impact, alignment with the Internet Society’s mission, and the applicant’s ability to deliver the proposed work.
What makes a strong fellowship application?
Strong applications demonstrate:
1. A clear and achievable project idea
2. Alignment with Internet Society priorities
3. Evidence of preparation and commitment
4. Potential for meaningful community impact
5. A realistic plan for implementation
What makes a strong project proposal?
Strong proposals address a clearly defined need or opportunity, have realistic objectives and activities, demonstrate potential for meaningful impact, and can be implemented within the fellowship timeline and available resources.
Can I apply again if I am not selected for the fellowship?
Yes. Trainees who complete the training but are not selected for the fellowship may apply again in a future cycle. They do not need to redo training modules that remain current.
What happens to my project proposal if I am not selected?
Participants who complete the Pre-Fellowship Training but are not selected for the fellowship retain their project plans and may continue developing them independently, seek support through other opportunities, or reapply in a future fellowship cycle.
Fellowship Experience
Will I receive mentorship during the fellowship?
Yes. Selected fellows are paired with a dedicated, professionally trained mentor who provides guidance and support throughout the project execution phase in the fellowship.
Will I receive support to implement my project?
Yes. Fellows receive guidance from a dedicated, professionally trained mentor and participate in expert sessions, peer learning activities, and other program support designed to help them successfully implement their projects.
How much time should I expect to commit during the fellowship?
Fellows should expect to dedicate approximately four hours per week to mentorship, project planning, reporting, peer engagement, and program activities during the fellowship. This estimate does not include project implementation time, which will vary depending on the nature and scope of each project.
Can I participate while working or studying full‑time?
Yes. Many fellows balance the program alongside professional, academic, or community commitments. Applicants should ensure they can dedicate sufficient time to meet program requirements.
Project Funding
Do all fellows receive project funding?
Selected fellows may apply for a project stipend of up to USD $5,000 for justified direct project costs. Funding is subject to review and approval of the proposed budget and activities.
What can project funding be used for?
Project stipends may be used for justified direct project costs. Examples may include workshop expenses, printing, local transport, minor equipment hire, and other costs directly related to project implementation. Detailed funding guidelines will be provided during the Pre-Fellowship Training.
Can project funding be used to pay salaries or consulting fees?
No. Fellowship project stipends are intended to support direct project implementation costs and are not designed to provide personal compensation.
Project Implementation
What happens if my project changes during the fellowship?
Projects may evolve as fellows learn more about their communities, stakeholders, and implementation challenges. Significant changes should be discussed with the mentor and fellowship team to ensure the project remains achievable and aligned with program objectives.
What happens after the fellowship ends?
Every project should include a plan for sustaining, expanding, transferring, or building upon the work after the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to continue advancing their projects through partnerships, community engagement, and ongoing involvement in the Internet Society alumni community.
Alumni Network
What happens after I complete the fellowship?
Graduates become members of the Internet Society Alumni Network and gain access to continued engagement opportunities, learning activities, events, and collaboration with fellow alumni.
How can I stay involved as an alum?
Alumni may be invited to:
1. Speak at fellowship events
2. Participate in community initiatives
3. Share expertise and experiences
4. Engage in alumni networking activities
5. Serve as a mentor for future fellows
6. Participate as a reviewer during fellowship selection
7. Facilitate workshops or community learning opportunities
Can I connect with other fellows and alumni?
Yes. The program promotes peer learning, collaboration, and networking among current fellows and alumni through program activities and community spaces.
Help and Support
Where can I get help if I have questions?
If you need assistance with enrollment, training, applications, or program requirements, please contact the Fellowship Program team by sending an email to [email protected].
Stay Informed
Receive email updates about the Fellowship Program. Subscribe to get notified about key dates, application information, Internet Society news, and more.
Note: this is not the application form.
Build Your Internet Knowledge
Take the required training courses to become an Internet Society fellow. Courses must be completed before you can start your fellowship application.
The image is courtesy of a fellow from the past program.