IREF Accepting Nominations for Fellowship Grants
For Immediate Release: May 14, 2008
The International Road Educational Foundation (IREF) is now accepting nominations for the IRF Fellowship Program – Class of 2009.
The Fellowship Program provides a one-time graduate level scholarship to young professionals from developing countries who have strong academic backgrounds, professional qualifications and leadership potential, and who are committed to return to their home countries after their graduate education is complete.
Since 1949, the IRF Foundation has made 1,181 awards to individuals in 115 countries on six continents. Fellows have utilized 90 different universities in 13 countries over the 59 year period.
“Many Fellows have become high-level government officials and leaders in the private sector. This Program provides IRF members a unique opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the next generation of road industry leaders,†said Patrick Sankey, CEO of IREF. “While there are many qualified students, IRF is seeking candidates who possess a strong passion to make a difference in their country’s road networks.â€
IRF encourages all of its members in good standing as well as past IRF Fellows to submit nominations for the Class of 2009. Members and Fellows are encouraged, when possible, to provide a primary candidate and an alternate candidate in case any unforeseen problems arise which may prevent the primary candidate from being able to accept the IRF Fellow nomination.
Academic grants for the Class of 2009 will range from $5,000 to $15,000.
Qualifications:
In general, candidates are expected to meet these criteria – however, there are circumstances where some flexibility is possible.
- Demonstrated potential as next-generation leaders in the highway industry – financing, administration, planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance.
- Three to fifteen years of progressive work experience in transportation.
- A Bachelor of Science degree (or equivalent) in a transportation-related discipline.
- The ability to actively engage in study and/or research in English.
- A commitment to full-time study for a minimum of nine months.
- The ability to travel to and within the United States.
- Strong endorsements from cognizant national Road Associations (or similar agencies) and/or IRF Members.
Nomination Process:
Sponsoring Member/Fellow Requirements:
Submit the name of the nominee, his or her contact information, home country, your organization name to Heba Gouda and/or by fax to +1 703 535 1007. Nominations must be received by July 15, 2008.
Nominee Requirements:
Nominees must complete the Fellowship Application Form (PDF). Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2008.
Founded in 1948, the International Road Federation (IRF) is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization with members from both the public and private sectors in 90 countries worldwide. IRF promotes the development and maintenance of better, safer roads and road networks throughout the world, using technological solutions and management practices that provide maximum economic and social returns from road investment.
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