COMMON Education Foundation (CEF)

Mission

• Foster development and growth of IT professionals who will manage and support the computing systems of the future.
• Underwrite educational projects and programs that increase cutting-edge technology skills and provide a clearer understanding of future IT challenges.
• Provide training to those preparing to enter the information technology field and to educators who provide the learning experience.

Goals and Objectives

• Encourage the utilization of funds for education, research and scholarship.
• Provide educational services and programs supporting the midrange user community.
• Foster the development/improvement of curricula in IT and IT management.
• Foster the standards of competence and promote excellence in IT midrange education.
• Expand the visions and goals of COMMON.

Scholarships Available

The COMMON Education Foundation currently offers five scholarship opportunities. They include:

• Education Foundation Scholarship to the COMMON Annual Conference and Exposition for Educators
• COMMON Volunteer Memorial Scholarship
• Tuition Reimbursement Scholarship
• Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship
  • Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship - Contribution Form
• IBM Academic Initiative for Power Systems Summer School
  

If you would like more information about COMMON Education Foundation support opportunities, please contact foundation@common.org or 1.800.777.6734.

COMMON Scholastic Membership

As a member of COMMON, you, your school, and your students will be part of the largest community of IBM Power System users and solution providers. Learn more about this special Scholastic Membership - click here.

Education Foundation Scholarship to a National Conference

National conferences are held annually in the spring. The CEF awards scholarships to educators who are involved in the training and education of future IT professionals. Below please find an application form. Complete the form and email to foundation@common.org.

The application deadline for the 2009 Annual Conference and Exposition is Friday, March 20, 2009.

• Education Foundation Scholarship Application
  (Right-click on the link and select "Save Target as" to download the Word Document.

COMMON Volunteer Memorial Scholarship

The Volunteer Memorial Scholarship was established in 1998 in memory of and in appreciation of our volunteers, the lifeblood of our organization. This scholarship recognizes and encourages volunteerism. One scholarship is awarded to the annual conference. This scholarship includes a complimentary conference registration, airfare and hotel accommodations (subject to the COMMON guidelines for travel, conference and membership policies and procedures). Please note that it is required that you volunteer a portion of your time during the conference. One Volunteer Memorial Scholarship will be available for the Spring 2009 COMMON Conference.

Tuition Reimbursement Scholarship

The COMMON Education Foundation provides four tuition reimbursement scholarships each fall to students at an accredited institution of higher education (two- or four-year college or graduate program). Currently the value of the scholarship is US$500. Applicants must be referred and sponsored by a COMMON member. Please complete the form and fax back to 312.279.0227, ATTN Education Foundation. The application deadline for tuition reimbursement scholarships is May 15.

• Tuition Reimbursement Application
  (Right-click on the link and select "Save Target as" to download.)

Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship

The COMMON Education Foundation is proud to offer the Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship will honor an individual who exemplifies Al’s commitment and dedication to the i community, is a mentor to others, and is an advocate to the i community. The recipient of this award will receive a conference registration to the 2009 COMMON Annual Meeting and be presented with a plaque. Any current COMMON member is eligible for this award. Candidates may nominate themselves or may be nominated by another individual. Deadline for submission is January 15, 2009.

Download the scholarship application form in PDF.
(Right-click on the link and select "Save Target as" to download.)

Al Barsa Memorial Scholarship Contribution Form
(Right-click on the links above and select "Save Target as" to download.)

IBM Academic Initiative for Power Systems Summer School

The COMMON Education Foundation awards two scholarships for professors to attend the IBM Academic Initiative for Power Systems Summer School in Rochester, Minnesota. The application is available on the IBM Academic Initiative for Power Systems website prior to the annual event. Or you can contact the team for the application and more details.

Current Activities

The objective of the COMMON Education Foundation, in conjunction with IBM Academic Initiative for Power Systems, is to expand and enhance midrange education in colleges and universities. The Foundation also works with COMMON members, local user groups, sister user groups, Power Systems customers and Business Partners to get more educational institutions involved with the platform. If you, your company or your local user group are interested in helping to make Power Systems and/or midrange education available in your community, please contact foundation@common.org, Executive Director Michelle August or Assistant Director Laura Ubelhor.

Contributors

Ways to help support the COMMON Education Foundation:

• Monetary Contributions
• United Way Contribution directed to the Foundation
• Donation requested in memory of a loved one
• Specify contribution to the Foundation as part of your will
• Donate items for the Silent Auctions held at conferences
• Volunteer to help staff the Foundation booth at conferences

For additional information, please contact COMMON Foundation or use the form below and mail your check, payable to COMMON Education Foundation, to COMMON, ATTN: Education Foundation, 5515 Cumberland Rd, Suite 810, Chicago, IL 60656.