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 $350.  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 Committee, or register online at this link if you are applying for the scholarship. The application deadline for all 2008 Forum scholarships is March 21st.

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 the Forum and help to "get the word out".
• Attend an Enterprise Thinking seminar and bring a guest to introduce to “better thinking about thinking”.
• Recruit someone to attend the annual Forum. 
• Help with fundraising or marketing or other planning activities in the coming year.
• Provide graphic recording during some of the Forum presentations.
• Write an article, or better, a series of articles for a local or college newspaper.

Memorial Scholarships - Van Bowen and Oscar Mink
The Network also has two memorial scholarships that are 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 the Network and Forum. 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 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.

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.

Russell 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 his last one, Management f-Laws: How Organizations Really Work, just before his 88th birthday. 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 has attended several Forums as a speaker and guest of the Network, and has appeared twice 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.

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 2008 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 2008 Forum.

Contribute
To contribute to Forum scholarship fund click here.