Want to work on US emerging tech policy? Consider the Horizon Fellowship, TechCongress, and AAAS AI Fellowship
I recently learned that there are a lot of fellowships currently open for individuals interested in transitioning into US emerging tech policy careers. I shared the announcements from different websites below.
Based on my reading, the Horizon Fellowship seems to be broader with placements at think tanks, executive agencies, and congress. These placements can last up to two years. TechCongress and AAAS Rapid Response STPF are only for 10-12 month congressional placements. All are only open to US citizens or individuals with the right to work in the US without employer sponsorship.
Horizon Fellowship (Deadline: Sept 15th, 2023. Apply here):
“Applications for the 2024 cohort of the Horizon Fellowship are now open! If you are interested in working on AI, biosecurity, or related policy areas at a federal agency, congressional office, or think tank, you can learn more about how to apply at Become a Fellow.
This application round is for the third cohort of Horizon Fellows. The first two cohorts had 15 and 20 fellows respectively, and a 100% success rate in securing high-impact placements related to AI and biosecurity policy. Among many other host organizations, our fellows have placed at the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, the Senate Commerce and House Science committees, and think tanks such as the Center for Security and Emerging Technology and the Center for Health Security. You can learn more about past fellows and their placements at Meet our Fellows.”
Eligibility (junior think tank track): Recently obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree (including those graduating in the year that their placements would start; Demonstrated interest in AI, biosecurity, or related emerging technology areas
Eligibility (senior track): Several years of professional experience; A credential (e.g. work experience, degree, publications, or similar) related to area of focus; A graduate degree (not required; strongly preferred for executive branch fellows)
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Tech Congress (Deadline: August 22nd 2023. Apply here):
Applications for the January 2024 Fellowship
“The Congressional Innovation Fellowship will place you among the top tech decision makers in the United States government at a time when technology is reshaping society in fundamental ways. Even if you’ve never considered working in government, the Congressional Innovation Fellowship will allow you to make change at the highest levels and at a scale unparalleled in the private or public sectors.
We are bridging the divide between Congress and the technology sector by placing tech savvy people like you—an early-career technologist (two—six years professional experience), including those who have recently finished, or are on track to finish a Master’s program or PhD—to work with Members of Congress and Congressional Committees. Our goals are to build capacity in Congress, train cross-sector leaders—who can understand the challenges of government and in the technology community—and keep Congress up to date about the latest challenges and opportunities relating to technology.”
Eligibility (junior track): Early-career, with between two and six years of experience, including recently finishing (or projected to finish by January 2024) a technical degree program. Tech savvy, with experience working in or studying the technology sector.
Eligibility (senior track): Eight or more years of work or postgraduate study. Tech savvy, with experience working in or studying the technology sector.
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AAAS Rapid Response STPF Cohort in AI (Deadline: August 5th, 2023. Apply here)
(Note that this is a separate program from the annual AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, which is for STEM PhDs and has an application deadline of November 1)
“Now is the time to shape the future of artificial intelligence. As Congress works on multiple legislative efforts, scientific and engineering expertise is needed immediately to inform federal policymaking. AAAS is seeking scientists and engineers from a wide range of disciplines to provide a rapid response to this urgent need on Capitol Hill. Congress is preparing to meet the urgent need to shape AI policies, and AI-STPF fellows will be extraordinary assets in helping to understand political, social, cyber and economic impacts for our country and the world. AAAS is seeking leads and interested applicants.”
Eligibility: Candidates may come from a range of career stages, degree levels, and experience. You must have either a Ph.D., OR a Master’s degree PLUS at least 3 years of post-degree work experience, OR a BS degree PLUS five years of post-degree work experience. Candidates must also be a US citizen.
Not sure which one to apply to? DM me and I’ll try to help based on what I know!
Thanks for highlighting these! All seem really great. Just want to clarify: I think you need to be a US citizen for the AAAS Rapid Response Cohort in AI.
If you’re not a US citizen, you might qualify for the Horizon Fellowship under certain conditions according to the “Become a Fellow” page:
“All fellows must be eligible to work in the United States and willing to live in the Washington, DC area for the duration of their placement. We are not able to sponsor US employment visas for fellows; US permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible to apply, but fellows who are not US citizens may be ineligible for placements that require a security clearance.* International students on an F-1 visa may be eligible for the think tank track during their first year of post-graduation OPT (we cannot accommodate STEM OPT).”
Good catch—added that to the eligibility section for the AAAS Rapid Response Cohort in AI blurb. Thanks!