Stanford AI fellowship propels students into public service roles

The big picture: Stanford’s Tech Ethics & Policy (TEP) Fellowship Program is bridging the gap between technical expertise and public policy by placing tech-savvy graduate students in key roles within Washington, D.C.’s policymaking ecosystem.

Addressing a critical need: The program aims to tackle the shortage of AI expertise in public service, where less than 1% of new AI doctoral graduates currently work.

• Stanford HAI, in collaboration with the McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society, established the TEP Fellowship in 2023 to address this issue.
• The program is led by Rob Reich, HAI senior fellow and Stanford professor of political science, and Marietje Schaake, HAI Policy Fellow.
• The 10-week program matches technically skilled graduate fellows with summer jobs in executive branch offices, congressional offices, and think tanks in Washington, D.C.

Program structure and requirements: The TEP Fellowship is designed to prepare students for the complexities of the policy world while leveraging their technical expertise.

• Fellows must have completed technical coursework to be considered for the program.
• Accepted fellows receive additional policy training and guidance on navigating the D.C. political landscape.
• The program also includes an undergraduate track run by the Stanford McCoy Family Center for Ethics in Society.

Real-world impact: Three recent TEP fellows shared their experiences working at the forefront of technology regulation and policy.

• Allison Jia worked with the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to finalize the “PREPARED for AI Act,” which aims to guide federal government procurement and use of AI.
• Julia Lin contributed to improving benefit delivery for individuals facing financial crises at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Jon Ball collaborated with the American Enterprise Institute think tank on various AI-related projects, including AI literacy presentations and analysis of news media coverage.

Key takeaways for fellows: Participants gained valuable insights into the policymaking process and the role of technical expertise in shaping legislation.

• Fellows experienced firsthand the importance of coalition-building in policymaking and implementation.
• They learned to translate their technical knowledge into actionable insights for policymakers.
• The program helped demystify the D.C. political environment and opened doors for networking opportunities.

Long-term career impact: The fellowship experience has influenced participants’ career aspirations and perspectives on the intersection of technology and policy.

• Allison Jia discovered a newfound passion for tech policy and its potential to shape responsible technology development.
• Julia Lin plans to incorporate policy considerations into her future healthcare startup ideas.
• Jon Ball developed an interest in tailoring AI policy to address the specific needs of different states and communities.

Program effectiveness: The TEP Fellowship has proven successful in providing meaningful contributions to policymaking institutions.

• Host organizations reported that fellows provided valuable technical expertise and guidance in policy discussions.
• The program has created a pipeline for tech-savvy students to enter public service roles and influence technology policy.

Broader implications: The Stanford TEP Fellowship Program represents a crucial step in ensuring that AI and technology policies are informed by technical expertise.

• As AI continues to impact various aspects of society, the need for technically informed policymakers and advisors is likely to grow.
• The program’s success may inspire similar initiatives at other institutions, potentially leading to a more robust pipeline of tech-savvy professionals entering public service.
• By bridging the gap between technology experts and policymakers, the TEP Fellowship contributes to more effective and responsible AI governance at the federal level.