Schools on Internet Governance (SIGs) are structured educational programs that build the next generation of leaders in digital policy, cybersecurity, human rights, and Internet governance. They operate at national, regional, and global levels and serve as one of the most effective capacity‑building mechanisms in the Internet governance ecosystem.

SIGs address a critical global need: equitable participation in digital governance.
They:

• Expand representation from underserved regions
• Strengthen multistakeholder participation
• Equip emerging leaders with practical knowledge
• Build local expertise that feeds into global processes (IGF, ICANN, ITU, IETF)
• Support democratic, inclusive digital policy development

For donors, SIGs offer high impact at low cost, with measurable outcomes and long‑term community benefits.

SIGs provide:

• A structured curriculum covering technical, legal, policy, and human‑rights dimensions
• Practical training through workshops, simulations, and case studies
• Exposure to global institutions and processes
• Networking across sectors and regions
• Alumni pathways into leadership roles in government, civil society, academia, and industry

SIGs are often the first and only entry point into Internet governance for many participants.

SIGs face persistent sustainability challenges including:

• Limited access to stable funding
• Reliance on volunteers
• Lack of institutional infrastructure
• High demand for scholarships
• Requirements accessibility support
• Requirements for communication capabilities.
• Rising costs for hybrid and online delivery

Most SIGs operate on minimal budgets, nonetheless their impact can be disproportionately large.

Funding enables SIGs to:

• Provide scholarships for underrepresented groups
• Ensure accessibility (interpretation, captioning, disability support)
• Secure venues, platforms, and technical infrastructure
• Develop high‑quality curricula and materials
• Support alumni networks and long‑term engagement
• Conduct tracer studies to measure impact
• Build institutional memory and succession planning

Even modest contributions can sustain a function or even class in a school.

SIGs offer donors:

• High return on investment through long‑term leadership development
• Visibility in global digital governance spaces
• Alignment with digital inclusion, human rights, and development goals
• Scalable impact across regions and communities
• Transparent reporting and community‑driven governance

SIGs strengthen the global Internet governance ecosystem by ensuring that diverse voices shape the future of the Internet.

Your support helps:

• Expand access to digital governance education
• Empower new leaders from underserved regions
• Strengthen global multistakeholder participation
• Build sustainable, inclusive Internet governance ecosystems

Investing in SIGs is investing in the future of a free, open, secure, and inclusive Internet.