Open Call for ARIN Fellowship Program

The ARIN Fellowship Program 2026 helps individuals from the ARIN service region gain practical knowledge of Internet number resource management, participate in the ARIN Public Policy and Members Meeting, and build professional networks through mentorship and training. Selected in-person Fellows receive funded travel, accommodation, and a travel stipend, while virtual Fellows participate in all educational activities online.

About the ARIN Fellowship Program

The ARIN Fellowship Program is a professional development initiative created by the American Registry for Internet Numbers (ARIN). It prepares participants to become active contributors to the Internet governance and policy development community by providing mentorship, educational sessions, and networking opportunities.

The fellowship is conducted before each ARIN Public Policy and Members Meeting, allowing participants to understand how Internet number resource policies are developed and implemented.

The program is available in two participation formats:

• In-person Fellowship
• Virtual Fellowship

Both formats include the same educational content and mentorship opportunities.

Program Focus Areas

The fellowship supports learning and engagement in the following areas:

• Internet number resource management
• ARIN policy development process
• Number Resource Policy Manual (NRPM)
• ARIN mission and services
• Public policy discussions
• Professional mentorship
• Networking with ARIN leaders
• Community participation
• Internet governance
• Technical policy education

What is the ARIN Fellowship Program?

The ARIN Fellowship Program is designed to introduce participants to the Internet number resource ecosystem and prepare them for meaningful participation in ARIN’s policy development process.

The fellowship combines:

• Virtual educational workshops
• Mentorship from experienced community members
• Networking with ARIN staff and leaders
• Participation in policy discussions
• Preparation for the ARIN Public Policy and Members Meeting

Participants gain practical knowledge of how Internet number resources such as IPv4, IPv6, and Autonomous System Numbers (ASNs) are managed.

Why This Fellowship Matters

The ARIN Fellowship provides valuable opportunities for individuals interested in Internet governance and technical policy.

Key benefits include:

• Builds expertise in Internet number resource management
• Develops understanding of Internet governance processes
• Provides direct mentorship from industry experts
• Expands professional networking opportunities
• Encourages active participation in policy development
• Supports long-term engagement with the ARIN community
• Helps participants contribute to Internet infrastructure policy

Fellowship Benefits

For In-Person Fellows

Selected in-person Fellows receive:

• Economy-class airfare
• Hotel accommodation at the meeting venue
• Travel stipend of US$350
• Access to all fellowship sessions
• Networking opportunities with ARIN leaders
• Participation in the ARIN Public Policy and Members Meeting

For Virtual Fellows

Virtual Fellows receive:

• Access to all educational sessions
• Online mentorship
• Virtual networking opportunities
• Participation in fellowship activities

Virtual participants do not receive travel funding or a stipend.

Who is Eligible?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Reside within the ARIN service region
• Demonstrate interest in ARIN’s policy development process
• Be familiar with:
  • ARIN’s mission
  • ARIN services
  • Internet number resources
  • Number Resource Policy Manual (NRPM)
• Subscribe to:
  • ARIN Announce Mailing List
  • ARIN Public Policy Mailing List
• Be willing to actively participate throughout the fellowship

Participation Rules

Applicants should note the following requirements:

• Individuals may participate in the fellowship a maximum of two nonconsecutive cycles.
• Only one fellowship may be attended in person.
• ARIN generally sponsors only one Fellow per organization for each meeting.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

1. Review the fellowship eligibility requirements.
2. Learn about ARIN’s mission, services, and the Number Resource Policy Manual (NRPM).
3. Subscribe to the required ARIN mailing lists.
4. Complete the fellowship application.
5. Indicate your preferred participation format (in-person or virtual, if requested).
6. Submit the application before the published deadline.
7. Wait for the Fellowship Selection Committee’s decision.

Selection Process

Applications are reviewed by the ARIN Fellowship Selection Committee.

Selection is based on factors such as:

• Interest in Internet number resource management
• Commitment to participating in the ARIN community
• Understanding of ARIN’s mission and policies
• Potential to contribute to future policy discussions

Successful applicants are selected for either the in-person or virtual fellowship category.

Tips for a Strong Application

To improve your application:

• Demonstrate genuine interest in Internet governance.
• Familiarize yourself with the Number Resource Policy Manual.
• Explain why participating in ARIN policy discussions matters to you.
• Show your willingness to engage with the ARIN community after the fellowship.
• Highlight any relevant networking, Internet infrastructure, or policy experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common errors:

• Applying without understanding ARIN’s mission.
• Ignoring the NRPM before applying.
• Failing to subscribe to the required mailing lists.
• Submitting incomplete application information.
• Providing generic statements without explaining your interest in Internet policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the ARIN Fellowship Program?

Individuals aged 18 or older who live within the ARIN service region and have an interest in Internet number resource management and ARIN’s policy development process.

Is the fellowship fully funded?

In-person Fellows receive economy airfare, hotel accommodation, and a US$350 travel stipend. Virtual Fellows participate online but do not receive financial support.

Can I participate virtually?

Yes. ARIN offers both in-person and virtual fellowship options.

Do I need technical experience to apply?

Applicants should have a basic understanding of ARIN’s mission, Internet number resources, and the Number Resource Policy Manual, although extensive professional experience is not specified.

How many times can someone participate?

Individuals may participate in a maximum of two nonconsecutive fellowship cycles, with only one in-person participation.

What will Fellows learn?

Participants learn about Internet number resource management, ARIN services, policy development, the Number Resource Policy Manual, and community engagement.

Who selects the Fellows?

Applications are reviewed and selected by the ARIN Fellowship Selection Committee.

Conclusion

The ARIN Fellowship Program 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in Internet governance, policy development, and Internet number resource management. Through mentorship, educational sessions, and participation in the ARIN Public Policy and Members Meeting, Fellows gain practical knowledge, expand their professional networks, and become active contributors to the ARIN community. Whether participating in person or virtually, the fellowship provides valuable experience for anyone seeking to play a greater role in the future of Internet policy.