iMasons Foundation
Silicon Valley Chapter

Global Digital Infrastructure Scholarship

Funded by the iMasons Foundation, the Silicon Valley Chapter is awarding up to three full scholarships to the UC Berkeley Global Digital Infrastructure Certificate Program — May through August 2026.
Apply for the Scholorship

In partnership with:

Full awards
0
Per scholar
$ 0
Courses covered
0
GDI Certificate
0

About the program

A World-First in Digital Infrastructure Education

The UC Berkeley Global Digital Infrastructure (GDI) Certificate Program — launched in 2025 — is the first university program of its kind, offering rigorous, industry-aligned education on the physical foundations of the internet: subsea cables, data centers, internet exchanges, and the geopolitical forces that shape them.

The program is open to anyone 18 and older — university students, community college students, working professionals, and career switchers — with no prior technical background required. With over 200 students already enrolled in the 2026 cohort, the GDI Certificate has quickly become a landmark credential for those entering or advancing in digital infrastructure.

The iMasons Silicon Valley Chapter is proud to partner with UC Berkeley to fund three Bay Area scholars through the full four-course program.

GDI Certificate Program

UC Berkeley . bcnm.berkeley.edu

GDI Advisory Board

globaldigitalinfra.com/board

IMasons Silicon Valley Chapter

imasons.org/community/chapters

UC Berkeley Global Digital Infrastructure Certificate Program –
Watch on YouTube →

Program curriculum

Your Path to the GDI Certificate

The scholarship covers all four courses, but the choice is yours. Complete the three core courses to earn the GDI Certificate — or add the optional fourth course to earn the certificate with an area specialization in Stakeholder Mapping.

NW MEDIA 131 · Core

Digital Infrastructure 101: The Hidden Foundations of the Internet

How does the digital “cloud” really work? This course covers the backbone infrastructures that support internet traffic — subsea cables, internet exchanges, and data centers — exploring who built them, how they work, and the challenges they face.
Required for GDI Certificate
NW MEDIA 132 · Core

How to Build a Global Internet: From Subsea Cables to Data Centers

Learn directly from the people who build the internet’s backbone. This course covers the political, environmental, financial, and technical challenges of designing and constructing massive infrastructure systems.
Required for GDI Certificate
NW MEDIA 133 · Core

Tech Wars: Security, Geopolitics and Resilience of Digital Infrastructures

The internet is a site of conflict and geopolitics. This course dives into the security of hard infrastructure, regulation, and what it takes to build a truly resilient internet — the first course of its kind to focus on the physical layer.
Required for GDI Certificate
NW MEDIA 139 · Optional

The Human Network: Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement

Digital infrastructure projects depend on navigating complex stakeholder ecosystems — governments, regulators, communities, and private companies. Students design a real Stakeholder Engagement and Mapping Plan (SEMP) for an infrastructure project.
Adds area specialization in Stakeholder Mapping
Each course runs 6 weeks (~60 hours of work). The scholarship covers all four courses — scholars choose whether to take 3 or 4. Completing NW Media 131–133 earns the GDI Certificate. Adding NW Media 139 earns the GDI Certificate with area specialization in Stakeholder Mapping.

About the program

A World-First in Digital Infrastructure Education

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bay Area / Silicon Valley resident (required)
  • 18 years or older (16–17 via UC Berkeley pre-college program)
  • No specific academic background required
ENROLLMENT STATUS
  • Already enrolled in 2026 GDI program (preferred)
  • Not yet enrolled — conditional award pending enrollment
  • Open to university, community college & trade students
  • Open to working professionals of any age
PRIORITY POPULATIONS
  • Demonstrated financial need
  • Underrepresented groups in tech / digital infrastructure
  • Community college or trade-path students
  • Veterans and career switchers entering the field
SCHOLAR COMMITMENTS
  • Complete all four GDI courses (May–August 2026)
  • Attend the SV Chapter showcase event (Fall 2026)
  • Agree to a brief career follow-up 6–12 months post-program

Our commitment to you

This scholarship is not just tuition — it’s an on-ramp into the digital infrastructure industry. The iMasons Silicon Valley Chapter is committed to your growth from your first day of coursework through your career in the field.

01

Mentoring resources

Scholars are connected with experienced iMasons members working across data centers, subsea, and digital infrastructure — providing guidance, industry context, and professional perspective throughout the program.
02

Free iMasons membership

Each scholar receives a complimentary iMasons membership — access to the global community of digital infrastructure practitioners, events, chapter networks, and industry resources.
03

Career alignment & hiring connections

The Silicon Valley Chapter actively works to connect GDI Certificate graduates with member companies seeking qualified candidates — turning your credential into real career opportunities in the field.
04

Post-program support & follow-through

We don’t walk away at graduation. The Chapter tracks scholar progress, celebrates achievements, and continues to open doors — whether that means introductions, referrals, or a stage at a future iMasons event.

Apply now

Scholarship application

Silicon Valley Local Chapter - Scholarship Form 2026

Name(Required)

Background

Financial information

Financial information is used solely to assess need-based eligibility and will not be shared outside the scholarship review committee. Providing income information does not automatically qualify or disqualify any applicant.

GDI program enrollment

Already-enrolled applicants are given preference, but all eligible Bay Area residents are welcome to apply.
Which courses do you plan to take?(Required)
Scholarship covers all four courses. Completing 131–133 earns the GDI Certificate; adding 139 earns the area specialization in Stakeholder Mapping.

Statement of interest

Documents

Max. file size: 5 MB.
Max. file size: 5 MB.
Commitments(Required)

Applications are reviewed by the iMasons Silicon Valley Chapter leadership team. Awards are made ahead of tuition payment deadlines — selected scholars will be notified by email. Scholarship funds are paid directly to UC Berkeley on your behalf.

Consent(Required)
Only 3 awards available.

Awards will be made ahead of tuition payment deadlines. Submit early to ensure your application is considered.

Award Summary

3

Full scholarships available

$8,803

Max award per scholar

4

Courses fully covered

1

GDI Certificate earned

What happens next

1

Submit your application

Including your resume and statement of interest.

2

Review

Applications reviewed by the SV Chapter leadership team, with awards made ahead of tuition payment deadlines.

3

Award notification

Selected scholars notified by email ahead of tuition payment deadlines.

4

Enrollment confirmed

iMasons pays tuition directly to UC Berkeley on your behalf.

5

Program & showcase

Complete the GDI program and present your work at the SV Chapter Fall 2026 event.

Questions?

Contact the iMasons Silicon Valley Chapter Education Lead at david@brightnets.com or visit the Silicon Valley Chapter page.