ILCMA International Scholarship Program

ILCMA International Scholarship Program

The continuing purpose of the ILCMA International Scholarship Program is to encourage Illinois managers, administrators, and assistants to expand their horizons. Participants can gain knowledge and improve their skills by interacting with their counterparts in other nations. The ILCMA members at-large can gain professionally when participants share information related to their international program experience. The scholarship is primarily designed to help underwrite participation in the International City-County Management Association (ICMA) International Exchange Program. However, other viable programs can be eligible. The ICMA International Study Tour Program is a good example. The maximum award per applicant is the lesser of $1,500 or 100% of travel expenses plus an additional $500 grant for expenses incurred while abroad. In return, those awarded a grant must commit to sharing the results of their experience with the ILCMA membership. This is in the form of a workshop session during the next ILCMA Winter Conference, writing a brief article for publication in City-County Management in Illinois , and other appropriate methods of communication that the applicant may suggest. Participants may bring their international exchange partner to ILCMA functions to meet and greet members.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

•  The basic premise of this program is that ILCMA members could learn something of value by interacting with our international counter-parts. ILCMA members would reciprocate by sharing our knowledge and experience with others.

•  The ILCMA may award a grant as a financial incentive for one or more of our eligible members annually to participate in the ICMA International Management Exchange Program, the ICMA International Management Study Tour Program, or other eligible ICMA international program. A prospective participant must apply for funding before taking part in one of these programs.

•  It is intended that a participant will acquire useful information and a professional experience not readily available to ILCMA members. In return for this financial support, program participants are required to share information and their professional experience in a variety of ways with ILCMA members. (This is substantially different from grant programs where the participants are not required to report on their experience to the granting agency.)

•  The ICMA has welcomed the efforts of the ILCMA to encourage international program participation. The ILCMA grant is currently unique. The ICMA scholarships for American exchange participants are currently limited to the ICMA Retirement Corporation and the John Garvey Fund. The ICMA International Task Force, Committee, and staff have recognized the ILCMA for being a leader in this field.

•  This program is subject to an annual review of activities and the availability of funding through the ILCMA annual budget. The ILCMA is not committed, actual or implied, to repeat the program.

ICMA MANAGEMENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM

•  Program participants from the United States travel to the country of their international exchange partner. The international counterpart serves as host and escort. They typically engage in actual tasks and share ideas with their partner and their staff. Program participants from the international local government attend the ICMA Annual Conference. The U.S. counterpart serves as host and escort. (ILCMA participants are required to do more per Section 4 below.)

•  The traditional deadline has been mid-December for ICMA members to apply for participation in the Management Exchange Program. However, the ICMA has extended deadlines on occasion in the past. The ICMA staff should be contacted directly concerning the process. The ICMA coordinates exchanges for ICMA members exclusively. In this case, ILCMA is soliciting people who are both ICMA and ILCMA members.

•  ICMA MANAGEMENT STUDY TOUR PROGRAM

A. Program participants from the United States travel with a dozen or more of their ICMA colleagues. They typically visit multiple cities in one or more countries. A primary purpose is to enhance the participant's knowledge by learning from international counter-parts and by offering their assistance in a real-life setting. (ILCMA participants are required to do more per Section 4 below.)

B. Study Tour dates and deadlines have varied from year to year. The ICMA staff should be contacted directly concerning the process. The ICMA coordinates exchanges for ICMA members exclusively. In this case, ILCMA is soliciting people who are both ICMA and ILCMA members.

ILCMA APPLICATION PROCESS

•  Applicants must submit to the ILCMA all of the information required by the ICMA. Persons interested in financial assistance should apply to the ILCMA at the same time they apply to ICMA. (They should inform the ICMA that they are seeking financial assistance from the ILCMA. This will facilitate the process described in Paragraph 5 below. Examples of required information include: choice of country, resume, description of employing local government, the participant's top three professional local government achievements, a description of the top three problems facing the applicant's local government, objectives/issues that the applicant would like to pursue during the exchange, and intended outcomes. ILCMA grant applicants should contact the ICMA through the website or other means to secure specific application materials. Applicants must also agree to submit a final written report to the ICMA within 60 days of after completing the exchange. (This is mandatory.)

•  Applicants need to verify additional requirements of the ILCMA. An applicant for the Exchange Program must agree to serve as host and escort for the international partner in Illinois . (This is subject to the availability of the international counterpart to travel here.) This may include ILCMA meetings, affiliate meetings, and/or visits to municipalities around the State. Second, applicants for the Study Tour and Exchange Program are required to present a program at the next ILCMA Winter Conference regarding their experience. (This is mandatory.)

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

•  The ILCMA has established a grant to serve as an underwriting incentive for scholarship prospects. The number of grantees is limited only by the dollars budgeted for this purpose by the ILCMA Board. It is possible that during any year no funds will be budgeted and no grants will be awarded.

•  Applicants must submit their proposal for funding to the ILCMA before they begin their participation. There are no specific deadlines. However, applicants are subject to the ICMA deadlines. They need to coordinate their contact with the ILCMA accordingly.

•  The maximum award per applicant is the lesser of $1,500 or 100% of travel expenses plus an additional $500 grant for expenses incurred while abroad. The $1,500 figure is based upon an estimate supplied by ICMA for travel to Australia . Therefore, it should be sufficient for other destinations. The participant(s) must provide supporting documentation as required for advanced travel payment.

•  Other costs for the Exchange Program are to be borne partially by the international sponsor and partially by the Illinois participant. Costs for the Study Tour Program and other programs are borne by the participant.

•  An ILCMA member may receive the ILCMA International Scholarship one time over the course of his/her membership in ILCMA.

LOGISTICS

•  The ICMA and its staff will assist with the lodging and activity details for the participants.

•  The respective Illinois and international participants must handle their own travel arrangements; e.g., airplane reservations, passport, visa (if necessary), etc.. However, the ICMA staff is prepared to advise participants.

SELECTION PANEL, REVIEW, AND AWARD PROCESS

•  The Scholarship and Awards Committee shall be charged with the selection process.

•  The Committee shall process applications with reference to the program purpose, scope, and criteria. This will include a review of written materials, interviews with applicants, and a panel discussion.