GovAI, a nonprofit focused on AI governance, has opened applications for its three-month Summer Fellowship in Washington, DC. If you’re looking to break into or accelerate your career in US AI policy, here’s what you need to know.
Image source: Envato
The basics
The program runs from June 8 to August 28, 2026, in Washington, DC. Fellows receive a $21,000 stipend ($7,000/month) plus travel support. You’ll conduct independent research on an AI governance topic of your choice, mentored by leading experts in the field. Your research could result in a white paper, journal article, op-ed, or policy report targeted at decision-makers.
The first two weeks are spent exploring the AI policy landscape before you settle on a research proposal with your supervisor’s input. Throughout the fellowship, you’ll participate in Q&A sessions with AI policy experts, hands-on workshops, peer feedback meetings, and networking events.
Image source: Envato
Who should apply
GovAI emphasizes this is a bipartisan program bringing together fellows with diverse political perspectives to tackle shared AI policy challenges. They’re looking for quality reasoning, clear writing, relevant expertise, good judgment, and openness to feedback.
The program welcomes a wide range of applicants: early-career individuals (including undergraduates), experienced professionals, and those transitioning from adjacent fields like public policy, computer science, economics, cybersecurity, China studies, or risk management. No strict degree requirements.
Critical eligibility requirement:
You must already have legal authorization to work in the United States through August 28, 2026. GovAI does not sponsor visas.
Application process:
Four stages: written application → abstract reasoning assessment → paid remote work test → interviews and reference checks
Apply:
- Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59PM ET
- Link: https://lnkd.in/dyAmymET
- Questions: fellowships@governance.ai
About GovAI: The organization researches AI governance risks and advises decision-makers in industry and government. Their team and alumni have worked across US government bodies (NSC, OSTP, Senate, Commerce, DHS), European institutions (EU AI Office, UK AI Security Institute), top think tanks (CSIS, CSET, RAND), and frontier AI companies (OpenAI, Anthropic, DeepMind).
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