IRF Continues Mission to Educate Next Generation of Global Transport Leaders: Nominations Open for Fellowship Program

For Immediate Release: July 10, 2013 (Alexandria, Va.) – The International Road Educational Foundation is now accepting nominations for the IRF Fellowship Program – Class of 2015 (starting fall semester, 2014).

The IRF Fellowship Program provides a one-time graduate level scholarship to young professionals from developing countries who have strong academic backgrounds, professional qualifications, leadership potential, and a commitment to return to their respective home countries after graduation. Students selected for the Class of 2015 will also participate in the IRF’s Road Scholar Program, held in Washington, D.C., January 2015.

Since 1949, the IREF has awarded more than 1,300 grants to individuals from 116 countries on six continents. Many Fellows have become high-level government officials and leaders in the private sector.

“This Fellowship Program provides IRF members a unique opportunity to meet and develop relationships with the next generation of transportation industry leaders,” said Patrick Sankey, president & CEO of the IRF. Mr. Sankey added, “While there are many qualified students, the IRF is seeking candidates who possess a strong passion and believe in the immense socio-economic benefits of having better, safer, and more sustainable roads and transportation networks in their home countries and around the world.”

The IRF encourages all of its Members in good standing as well as IRF Fellows to submit nominations for the Class of 2015. Students not nominated by an IRF Member or IRF Fellow may apply for a grant; however, greater consideration will be given to those students nominated by an IRF Member or Fellow. Students awarded grants will be enrolled in a U.S. university for the fall semester of 2014.

Qualifications: In general, candidates are expected to meet these criteria; however, there are circumstances where some flexibility is possible.

• Demonstrated potential as next-generation leader 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), IRF Members, and/or IRF Fellow(s).

Nomination Process:

• Submit the name of the nominee, his or her contact information, home country, and your organization name via email to Esteban Salinas or fax to +1 703 535 1007 or apply online directly.
• Nominations must be received by September 30, 2013.  

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ABOUT IREF: Established as a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization in 1954, the International Road Educational Foundation endeavors to apply current transportation technologies and best practices through human resource in order to provide a powerful stimulus for the advancement of the transportation industry worldwide. Since inception, more than 1300 students from 116 countries have been awarded IRF fellowship grants. For more information about IREF and its educational programs, please visit www.IRF.global/fellowships.