<div dir="ltr"><div><br clear="all"></div><div><p style="font-size:12pt">Dear Member,</p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt">Are you working to strengthen Internet access and resilience, digital inclusion, Indigenous connectivity, or community-centered connectivity?</p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt"><strong>Then this is for you:</strong> The <a href="https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/tracks/#:~:text=Pre%2DFellowship%20Training-,Internet%20Connectivity,-The%20Internet%20Connectivity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Internet Society Fellowship Program's Peering sub-track</a> is designed for members of the peering community who want to learn and apply technical expertise to create meaningful Internet impact.</p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt"><strong>The Internet Society Fellowship Program's Peering sub-track</strong> </p><p style="font-size:12pt">Through this program, participants receive:</p><ul><li><p style="font-size:12pt">Specialized training in network operations and Internet exchange points (IXPs)</p></li><li><p style="font-size:12pt">Training in how policies can enable peering and help build strong digital economies</p></li><li><p style="font-size:12pt">Mentorship from experienced practitioners</p></li><li><p style="font-size:12pt">Opportunities to engage in technical community discussions</p></li><li><p style="font-size:12pt">The opportunity to apply for up to <strong>USD $5,000</strong> in project funding to implement connectivity initiatives</p></li></ul><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt">Participants develop the skills to strengthen local peering and interconnection, such as:</p><ul><li><p style="font-size:12pt"><strong>IXP Planning and Development:</strong> Support the planning, development, and revitalization of community-run Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), particularly in underserved areas or where existing exchanges need support.</p></li><li><p style="font-size:12pt"><strong>Enabling Peering and Interconnection:</strong> Promote policies and practices that strengthen local peering and traffic exchange through advocacy, events, research, and engagement with decision-makers.</p></li><li><p style="font-size:12pt"><strong>Technical Training and Capacity Building:</strong> Build the skills of local network operators and engineers through hands-on training, train-the-trainer programs, and educational resources on peering, BGP, and IXP operations.</p></li></ul><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt">The journey begins NOW with free online training that is open to everyone. Participants who complete the coursework (approximately 40 hours) and develop a project proposal may then apply for selection into the 2027 Fellowship cohort.</p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt"><img src="cid:ii_mvqu40vg0" alt="image.png" class="gmail-" width="542" height="200"></p><p style="font-size:12pt"> </p><p style="font-size:12pt">If you’re passionate about creating change through your technical expertise, we encourage you to apply.</p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt"><strong>Learn more and enroll in training:</strong> <a href="https://www.internetsociety.org/fellowship/tracks/#internet-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Internet Society Fellowship Program Tracks - Internet Society</a></p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt">Please share this opportunity with people and organizations in your peering community.</p><p style="font-size:12pt"></p><p style="font-size:12pt">Best regards,</p></div><span class="gmail_signature_prefix">-- </span><br><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div>Jean Baptiste MILLOGO<br></div><div><br><br></div><div><br style="color:rgb(0,0,0);font-size:14.08px"><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>