Become a fellow
Join LAI
Help us shape the future of public policy
The 2026 Fellowship
We're selecting 50 high school students (rising 9th–12th graders) to join a no-cost, year-long policy fellowship focused on collaborative policy advisory work. Fellows work in small, mentored teams to research, draft, and present policy briefs that inform real decision-makers.
The 2026 fellowship is the first to have an exclusive focus on policy innovation, and it guarantees matching with a fellowship alumni.
The program includes
A curated crash course in policy analysis
How to structure memos, brief decision-makers, and translate evidence into actionable recommendations.
Team-based policy projects
Work within one of LAI's policy Centers or working groups, advising agencies, city councils, governors, and prime ministers on pressing policy challenges.
Guidance from professors and industry experts
Mentorship on research strategy, policy framing, and stakeholder engagement from our research cohort.
A shared research and materials budget
Support for team briefings, data collection, and background analysis — plus newspaper subscriptions, journal purchases, and editing assistance.
How to apply
Fellows are expected to publish their work on news sites, academic journals, or the Los Altos Institution website. Although the commitment for fellows is low, they are expected to publish at least once in their one-year term.
Applications are due on January 3rd at 11:59 PM PST. Fellows are appointed starting January 1st of each year.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to apply?
Anyone currently enrolled in a US high school or global equivalent is eligible to apply.
I am a current senior in high school, am I eligible to apply?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply to the fellowship.
I live outside of the United States, am I eligible to apply?
Yes. LAI is a global organization with a worldwide network of fellows.
Are fellows paid?
No, fellows do not receive compensation as this is a volunteer position. However, some fellows may receive a stipend or grant for their research.
Is there a fee to participate?
No, the program is completely free of cost.
How long is a fellow's term?
Fellows are appointed starting January 1st of each year and their terms expire at the end of that year. Terms may be renewed by the Board of Overseers.
What is the difference between a Fellow and a Senior Fellow?
Senior Fellows hold leadership roles in the Centers and also receive larger research budgets. To be under consideration for a Senior Fellow position, you must have either completed one year as a Los Altos Institution fellow or have incredible research experience.
Does my work still belong to me?
Yes. Although we will publish your work, it will still be your property. You may ask to remove it from publication or use it on other sites at any time.
Is it guaranteed that my work will be published?
Yes, all work done by our fellows is published in our monthly briefings. We also help our fellows publish through third-party organizations and institutions.
Still have questions? Email info@losaltosinstitution.org.
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Research, events, and fellow announcements
New research, speaker events, and each incoming cohort are announced on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Donations keep policy research and education free for all high schoolers. The Institution is an incubated nonprofit project of the Los Altos Mountain View Community Foundation, so gifts are processed through the Foundation.
Join the Los Altos Institution's community of supporters in making policy research and education accessible to all high schoolers.
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