LOS ANGELES - The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is calling for applications for the NextGen@ICANN Program for the ICANN82 Community Forum, according to the official website of ICANN.

ICANN wants to hear from university students living and studying in the North America region who are interested in the future of the Internet and in participating in the ICANN82 Community Forum. ICANN82 is scheduled to be held in Seattle, Washington, from March 8–13, 2025. If ICANN82 is held virtually, the NextGen@ICANN Program will also be held virtually.

What Is NextGen@ICANN?

The NextGen@ICANN Program provides opportunities for university students to better understand how ICANN contributes to the technical governance of the Internet and the multistakeholder model. Through an immersive program, participants will learn about topics such as the Internet ecosystem, Internet governance, and policy development at ICANN. The program also provides insight into how to engage and contribute to the work that supports the stability, resiliency, and reliability of the Internet.

NextGen@ICANN runs in conjunction with ICANN Public Meetings and is geared toward students who are 18–30 years old living or studying in the region hosting the selected ICANN meeting. Participants will be required to attend courses and presentations six weeks before the ICANN Public Meeting. In addition, they are expected to prepare a 10-minute presentation during the ICANN Public Meeting. Experienced mentors will support participants throughout the program.

The NextGen application window will open on 16 August and remain open until September 27, 2024. Successful candidates will be announced on November 29, 2024, on the ICANN website.