Introducing a New Chapter for the Internet Society Fellowship Program - Internet Society

Full Job Description

Building an Internet for everyone takes people who can turn ideas into action.

Across the world, leaders are working to expand connectivity, shape Internet policy, and help people stay safe online. To strengthen their ability to make a lasting difference, we are launching a new chapter of the Internet Society Fellowship Program that brings training, dedicated mentorship, project funding, event attendance, and cross-disciplinary collaboration together to help fellows address Internet challenges in their communities.

Building on more than 10 years of experience, the new program brings previously separate fellowships into one connected experience. Fellows will specialize in one of three tracks—Internet Policy and Mobilization, Internet Connectivity, or Internet Safety and Security—with two specialized sub-tracks each, offering opportunities to deepen their expertise.

They will also learn from peers working on different challenges, bringing together policy advocates, network engineers, researchers, and community organizers. These connections reflect how the Internet thrives: through people with different perspectives and expertise working toward shared goals.

At the heart of the program is a real-world project. Rather than focusing only on learning, it places greater emphasis on implementation and measurable outcomes during the program itself. After completing some training in the first two months, during the six-month implementation period, every fellow will put their knowledge into practice through work such as a policy initiative, community campaign, research project, training program, technical deployment, or practical tool.

Each fellow will receive guidance from a dedicated, professionally trained mentor, participate in expert sessions, and travel to a relevant global or regional Internet event. Fellows can also apply for a project stipend of up to USD $5,000 to cover justified direct costs.

For anyone interested in becoming a fellow, the journey begins with a separate training and project planning opportunity, open to everyone at no cost. Over 2.5 months, trainees complete self-paced, track-specific learning and develop a realistic project proposal aligned with the Internet Society’s mission.

After completing the required courses and developing a project plan, they can apply for the Fellowship Program and go through a competitive selection process that considers their background and expertise, as well as the project’s strength, feasibility, and potential impact.

Completing the training does not confer access to the Fellowship Program or guarantee selection, but everyone who completes it gains specialized knowledge, a certificate of completion, and a practical project plan they can pursue independently or refine for a future application.

For 2027, we will welcome 90 fellows across the three tracks. The redesigned model increases the investment and support available to each fellow, giving them resources to advance their projects and document what they accomplish and learn.

We remain committed to geographic, gender, and age diversity, bringing together people whose experiences reflect the communities they serve. Early-career professionals, mid-career practitioners, and experienced leaders all have a place in the program.

The Fellowship Program is also designed to create value long after projects are completed. After finishing the program, fellows are encouraged to join the Internet Society Alumni Network to share expertise, build relationships with other Internet leaders, and support future participants.

Through this redesigned program, we are investing in Internet changemakers whose ideas and experience can help strengthen the Internet for everyone. Their projects will respond to local needs while generating practical knowledge that other communities can use and build on.

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