Our Crowdfunding Groups
The iSchool Inclusion Institute (i3) is an award-winning diversity initiative that recruits and prepares underrepresented students for graduate study and careers in the information sciences.
Our mission is to increase both the number and diversity of students prepared for research, teaching, and professional careers. A more diverse faculty and information profession adds more voices and perspectives to our effort to solve the world's most challenging information problems.
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. i3 prepares students for the rigors of graduate study and serves as a pipeline for i3 Scholars into internationally recognized information schools—the iSchools. Most importantly, i3 empowers students to create change and make an impact in their communities.
More than 150 students have participated in the i3 program since it began in 2011. While many i3 Scholars are still completing their undergraduate degrees, our alumni are doing amazing things and building successful careers as information professionals.
More than 80% of students who have completed a bachelors degree have matriculated into graduate programs or careers in the information sciences or related fields. i3 Scholars have completed graduate degrees at the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Michigan, Rutgers University, and University of California at Irvine, among many others. Our alumni work in prestigious libraries and universities as well as for companies like Accenture, IBM, Google, and Deloitte.
100% of students who have applied to a graduate program have been admitted to 1 or more programs. Additionally, the retention rate for i3 scholars who enter graduate programs is 100% (not a single student has dropped out or failed to complete their graduate degree).
For many of these students, i3 was their first exposure to the information sciences. 69% of i3 Scholars who have entered or completed graduate study in the information sciences or a related area did not major in STEM during undergrad.
i3 Scholars have produced 34 publications at peer reviewed conferences from their team research projects.
i3 Scholars give back to their communities through leadership and service in our alumni association. Our alumni have started local chapters of Girls Who Code to mentor girls in high school, hosted online webinars to provide educational opportunities for their peers, and advised research projects for new students.
You support will develop of the next generation of information scientists. Your generous donation to our campaign will help cover:
Introductory Institute: Summer 1, Four Weeks
Held on the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh
Team Research Project
i3 Scholars return home and work with team members remotely to complete a yearlong project
Concluding Institute: Summer 2, Two Weeks
i3 Scholars return to the main campus of the University of Pittsburgh to complete the program
Your contribution will provide an i3 Scholar with two meals during our summer institutes!
Your contribution will provide an i3 Scholar with his/her daily stipend!
Your contribution will provide an i3 research team with a professionally printed research poster!
Your contribution will provide an i3 Scholar with all our required textbooks and supplies for the year!
Your contribution will bring a student to i3! Your gift will provide transportation for an i3 Scholar from across the country to come to the University of Pittsburgh.
Your contribution will provide i3 Scholars with 1 week of academic and professional development workshops!
Your contribution will provide all of our new and returning i3 Scholars with a graduation ceremony and banquet!
