Launching the iMasons Global Digital Infrastructure Scholarship
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 the Berkeley Center for New Media to fund three Bay Area scholars through the full four-course program. Awards will be made ahead of tuition payment deadlines. Submit early to ensure your application is considered. For more information and the application, please visit the iMasons GDI Scholarship website.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About iMasons
Founded by Dean Nelson in April 2016, Infrastructure Masons (iMasons) was established to provide infrastructure executives and technical professionals an independent forum to connect, grow, and give back.
Dean is a 30+ year technology executive who has driven $10B in infrastructure projects across three contents for Sun Microsystems, Ebay, PayPal and Uber, He is also passionate about uniting the digital infrastructure community to aggregate and amplify their work.
iMasons has launched numerous initiatives to advance its mission to unite People, that Innovate driving Efficiency.
To date, iMasons has already raised USD 1+ million in scholarships, launched Member Focus Groups including iM Women, Armed Forces, LatinX, and Emerging Talent, and opened regional and Local Chapters across four continents.