In2:InThinking Network Forum Scholarships
 

The In2:InThinking Network aspires to be an inclusive organization, both in its espoused and practiced philosophies and in its partners and members.  One of the things we do toward including more people is to offer modest scholarships to help some participate in the Forum who might not otherwise attend. 

There are a couple of ways we do this.  Our basic scholarship is for the registration fee, which this year is $400, with a $50 discount for anyone registering on or before March 8th.  The number of these scholarships available each year is determined by the Board of Directors, based on the expected number of attendees for the coming Forum.  Generally, two such scholarships have been available, with additional awards becoming available as the number of registrants exceeds a certain baseline.

Candidates may nominate themselves or be nominated by a Network member. Submit an application consisting of a short essay by either the candidate or the member explaining why attendance at the coming Forum would benefit the candidate.  Typical reasons might include relevance to a current course of study, interest in changing career direction, or a desire to apply better thinking in new ways or in new circumstances.  This essay should also explain the individual’s inability to attend unless the registration fee is waived.  Self-nominating candidates should also explain what they have in mind to “contribute” to the network (see below).  Candidates nominated by another should address this question in writing prior to accepting the scholarship.  Follow this link to submit a scholarship nomination to our Scholarship Team, or register online at this link if you are applying for the scholarship.

While students are obvious candidates for assistance, we will also to seek out candidates from some other professions by virtue of their contribution to society or position of leverage (e.g., teachers, community or social workers, police, healthcare workers, volunteers).   

How might you contribute to our Network effors?
Some ideas are listed below. The recipient and a Network mentor may devise something else.

  • Prepare and deliver a presentation on something learned at our Forum and help to "get the word out".
  • Attend an InThinking Together seminar (contact Bill Bellows for details) and bring a guest to introduce to “better thinking about thinking”.
  • Recruit someone to attend our annual Forum. 
  • Help with fundraising or marketing or other planning activities in the coming year.
  • Provide graphic recording during some of our Forum presentations.
  • Write an article, or better, a series of articles for a local or college newspaper.

Memorial Scholarships - Van Bowen and Oscar Mink
We announced two memorial scholarships in 2004, both awarded when funds are available through contributions. The first is the Van Bowen Student Scholarship, established by Van prior to his death in November 2004. Van wished to begin a tradition of funding a college student who might otherwise not be aware of our Network and Forum. To the extent feasible, the student’s registration fee, travel expenses, and lodging will be covered.  Since the candidates are unaware of the opportunity, the Network member must advance their candidacy with the Scholarship Team, preferably by means of a brief essay explaining why this student and the Network would benefit. Maureen Kiley, a student of Van’s at the University of Richmond, attended the 2005 Forum via this scholarship. Link here to a University of Richmond article about Van's selection of Maureen as our first scholarship recipient. Applicants for this scholarship should select "Van Bowen Scholarship" under payment options when registering for the 2011 Forum. Registration will open in mid-January.

The second is the Oscar Mink Student Scholarship, established by the Network in honor of Oscar who also passed away in 2004.  To the extent feasible, the student’s registration fee, travel expenses, and lodging are covered.  Since the candidates are unaware of the opportunity, the Network member must advance their candidacy with the scholarship committee, preferably by means of a brief essay explaining how the candidate honors Oscar’s intense regard and affection for people, his deep commitment to helping, and his love of learning. Skill on the harmonica is a plus. Applicants for this scholarship should select "Oscar Mink Scholarship" under payment options when registering for the 2011 Forum. Registration will open in January.

Russell L. Ackoff Scholarship
With great appreciation and excitement, the In2:InThinking Network announced the In2:InThinking Network's inaugural Russell L. Ackoff Scholarship in 2007, established by Metalex Manufacturing founder and CEO Werner Kummerle. This annual scholarship was established to honor the immense and diverse contributions of Dr. Ackoff's work in the areas of systems thinking, creativity, and management. He is also a prolific writer, releasing many a book in the past few years, including Management f-Laws: How Organizations Really Work and Turning Learning Right Side Up. Over many decades, his efforts have reached across industries and continents, always delivered with grace, humor, and the utmost respect for people who work in organizations. The In2:InThinking Network feels incredibly fortunate to have both Werner Kummerle and Russell Ackoff as friends, supporters, and most importantly, participants. Metalex Manufacturing is a Forum Partner - Werner, his wife, and daughter and son all attended the 2006 Forum. Russ attended our 2005 and 2006 Forums as a speaker, and appeared four times (2006-2009) as Thought Leader for Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne's Enterprise Thinking Network's monthly Ongoing Discussion teleconferences. He has also been invited to share his wisdom with the entire staff of Metalex. Sadly, Russ died in October 2009, only a week after hip-joint replacement surgery. Link here to a special edition newsletter, dedicated to Russ, plus the December 2009 Ongoing Discussion, also dedicated to him.

This scholarship, in the tradition of In2:InThinking scholarships, is meant to enable someone to attend the Forum, for the first time, who might not otherwise be aware of or be exposed to the Network and its resources and goals. The 2012 recipient might be a student, a healthcare professional, a teacher or school principal, a government employee, a community leader - any of whom would benefit from inclusion in the Network and contact with the incredible array of talented and concerned people that are the Network. Applicants for this scholarship should select "Ackoff Scholarship" under payment options when registering for the 2012 Forum. Registration will open in mid-January.

Community Service Scholarship
In 2007, we had the good fortune to establish yet another annual scholarship, the "Community Service Scholarship,” funded by Spincraft, also a Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne supplier.  In the spirit of team work, Len Paolillo, Spincraft’s President, established this scholarship “to help develop and advance connections between the Network and individuals doing important work in their communities.”  Applicants for this scholarship should select "Community Service Scholarship" under payment options when registering for the 2012 Forum. Registration will open in mid-January. Like our Ackoff Scholarship recipient, the 2012 Community Service Scholarship recipient might be a student, a healthcare professional, a teacher or school principal, a government employee, a community leader - any of whom would benefit from inclusion in the Network and contact with the incredible array of talented and concerned people that are the Network.

Student Scholarship
In 2008, we sought additional scholarship funding from friends of our network, both new and old, to create our “Student Scholarship.”  We applaud the leadership of several anonymous donors in keeping this effort alive. Applicants for this scholarship should select "Student Scholarship" under payment options when registering for the 2012 Forum. Registration will open in mid-February. Scholarship recipients must be currently enrolled full-time students in high school or college.

W. Edwards Deming Scholarship
Looking ahead to 2009, we are excited to announce our next new Forum scholarship, the W. Edwards Deming Scholarship, funded by our “Louisville Slugger” friends at Hillerich & Bradsby in Louisville, Kentucky.  Through this effort, we will host a faculty member and several students, both current and recent graduates, from select universities every uear. Registration will open in mid-February.

Contribute
Our Network efforts are enabled day-by-day, month-by-month, and year-by-year by civic-minded volunteers whose contributions include a passion for making a difference, coupled with ideas, time and energy. Together, we are learning and working together to foster and inspire "better thinking for a better future" and what this effort enables individuals and organizations of all shapes and sizes to do differently.

Contributions to our Network also include financial support from our members, coupled with the proceeds of our annual Forum. Towards this end, please consider contributing a tax-deductible donation to the In2:InThinking Network, which is charted as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your donation can be towards our general fund (to support the website and newsletter), or towards scholarships and financial assistance of future attendees of our annual Forum. Link here to contribute to our Forum scholarship fund .

Contact Steve Byers, chair of our Scholarship Team, at scholarships@in2in.org for additional scholarship information.