Frequently Asked Questions

 The program is described as hybrid because we meet virtually on-line for our mentoring sessions and meet in-person at the annual Convergence Capstone presentations and networking at the Great Connections Gathering.

 All AIIMSEI.org's mentors undergo a rigorous selection process that includes a background check, subject matter expertise evaluation, and interviews with our team.

The 2026-2027 cohort is fully funded. There is no cost for the participant. The year-long AIIMSEI Jr. Fellowship Program normally costs USD 2,500.00. However, each selected Jr. Fellow is guaranteed to receive a scholarship valued at 50% of the prevailing cost. Additionally, because of philanthropic and Foundation support, the remaining 50% can be greatly reduced.

Yes. The AIIMSEI Junior Fellows Leadership Formation Program follows a structured year-long curriculum with a detailed mentoring schedule. Participants receive a comprehensive program calendar outlining the topic, learning objectives, and synopsis for every online mentoring session, together with how each session contributes to the development of their Capstone Convergence Studio project.

The program is organized around eight Pillars of Performance, with each pillar explored through two 90-minute online mentoring sessions per month. The pillar-based curriculum runs from September through April, providing a progressive foundation in leadership, convergence thinking, innovation, and professional development.

From May through August, Fellows focus on completing their Capstone Convergence Studio, applying the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the program to a purpose-driven challenge under continued faculty mentorship. The program culminates with an in-person presentation of each Fellow's capstone project at the Great Connections Gathering, where participants showcase their work to mentors, peers, and invited leaders from academia, industry, healthcare, and government.

You may nominate that emerging leader by forwarding the self-nominating link to them and by offering to serve as a referee on their self-nomination package. Moreover, you may play the role of mentor to that person’s convergence studio engagement.

  You may contribute by donating to the P1V1 Fund for Convergence held at the Foothills Community Foundation.

 Upon completion of the AIIMSEI Jr. Fellowship Program, participants will have achieved:

• Long Term Leadership Objectives (3–5 years after completion): 
  • Alumni lead interdisciplinary initiatives. 
  • Alumni are recognized as convergence-minded innovators. 
  • Alumni demonstrate sustained societal impact through research, entrepreneurship, policy, or service. 
  • Alumni mentor and cultivate the next generation of convergent leaders. 
• Fellow Learning Program Outcomes (upon  completion): 
  • Fellows apply convergence thinking to complex challenges. 
  • Fellows communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries. 
  • Fellows work productively in diverse teams. 
  • Fellows develop and present a Capstone Convergence Studio project. 
  • Fellows demonstrate ethical leadership, systems thinking, and professional maturity. 
  • Fellows construct a personal leadership and career development plan. 

 AIIMSEI Junior Fellows are not simply trained to solve problems—they are formed to identify the right problems, unite the right people, and deliver solutions that create lasting societal impact.