Apply for a Scholarship to attend #OpenEd21

Written by Emily Carlisle-Johnston, Research and Scholarly Communications Librarian at the University of Western Ontario and a member of the #OpenEd21 Communications Committee.

The 2021 Open Education Conference is pleased to once again offer scholarships to cover the full or partial cost of registration for this year’s virtual event on October 18-22nd. Guided by the understanding that the cost of attendance has excluded people from participating in previous in-person conferences, last year’s conference offered scholarships to extend the reach and improve the diversity of voices represented at the event. This year’s scholarships are offered with the same understanding and intent.

Anyone for whom cost would be a barrier to attendance is eligible and encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Applications from those who have been traditionally underrepresented at the conference will be prioritized. This includes (but is not limited to) students, adjunct or contingent positions, PreK-12 educators, resides and/or works in Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, or Pacific Islands, participants who are attending or working at minority-serving institutions, historically marginalized or underrepresented identities, and those who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color.

 Applicants may choose to apply for whichever amount will enable their attendance:

·       Free Registration (full scholarship)

·       $25 USD Registration Rate (partial scholarship for 2/3 of the cost)

·       $50 USD Registration Rate (partial scholarship for 1/3 of the cost)

Apply early and prior to August 13, 2021 for priority consideration! The application form can be found on the Scholarship webpage. Applications submitted by August 13 will be notified by August 27th. Applications submitted afterwards will be reviewed on a rolling basis (if space is available) until October 11, 2021.

For more information, review the Scholarship webpage or send an email to contact@openeducationconference.org. It is our hope that these scholarships will serve as an extension of the important work done by the open education community to further inclusivity, accessibility, affordability, and equity.