iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3)

Undergraduate research opportunity for underrepresented students

Please share with students of all majors

 

 

Program Overview & Dates

 

The iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) is an undergraduate research program that prepares students from underrepresented populations for graduate study and careers in the information sciences. Students undertake a year-long experience that includes two summer institutes held at the University of Pittsburgh and a year-long team research project. Students are immersed in special-topics workshops, professional development seminars, research projects, and network-building opportunities.

i3 Scholars have completed a variety of interdisciplinary research projects with their teams. A sample of past project topics have included:

• Viral videos and the leading factors related to online sharing
• Youth education and recruitment into STEM fields
• Gender representation in video games
• Online community building in social movements like Occupy Wall St.
• Social media and political involvement in campaigns
• Identity representation and catfishing on social media
• Environmental sustainability efforts in the information technology sector
• Psychological incentives to donate to crowd-sourced campaigns on Kickstarter and similar online platforms

The 2014 i3 will be held at the University of Pittsburgh's School of Information Sciences from June 1-27, 2014.

 

 

FAQ Sheet for Students

 

The i3 FAQ Sheet will help answer questions about the program and the information sciences. Students can see how undergraduate majors map to graduate programs and research opportunities in the information sciences. Please share with your colleagues and students.

 

 

Who Should Apply & Application Requirements

• Undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university in the United States; students that have recently graduated may also apply
• Students enrolled in any academic major; undeclared or undecided students are also welcome to apply
• Students who have an interest in graduate school and research opportunities
• Students who are open to exploring the information sciences and its many interdisciplinary fields
• Individuals that can demonstrate a commitment to diversity and increasing opportunities for underrepresented populations
• U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents

To apply, applicants must submit the following items:

• Online application with essay questions
• Two letters of recommendation
• Official undergraduate transcripts

Application Deadline: January 17, 2014

Additional Benefits

 

During their stay at the University of Pittsburgh, students receive funding support and a daily stipend for their participation.

• Full funding for travel, housing, and dining
• $50.00 per day stipend during summer residential institutes
• Students may arrange for i3 to count as a for-credit internship at their home university/college
• Upon completion of the program, i3 Scholars are eligible for scholarship opportunities at select graduate schools in the United States
• Travel stipends to attend the annual iConference

 

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. Please direct all questions to Michael Depew at i3info@pitt.edu.

 

Sincerely,

Michael Depew

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Michael Depew

Director, iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3)
University of Pittsburgh
School of Information Sciences
135 N. Bellefield Avenue, Room 603
Pittsburgh, PA 15260