GovAI Summer Fellowship 2026 in Washington DC: $21,000 AI Policy Fellowship (Apply by March 1)

Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Fellowship hosted by GovAI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing effective and responsible AI governance. The three-month, in-person program in Washington, DC offers aspiring and established professionals a unique opportunity to conduct independent AI policy research while earning a competitive stipend.

If you’re looking to break into — or accelerate — your career in U.S. AI policy, this fellowship could be your next big step.

Fellowship Overview

The GovAI DC Fellowship runs from June 8 to August 28, 2026, in Washington, DC.

What Fellows Receive

• $21,000 total stipend ($7,000 per month)

• Travel support

• Mentorship from leading AI policy experts

• Access to high-level policy networks in Washington, DC

Fellows conduct independent research on an AI governance topic of their choice. Outputs may include:

• White papers

• Journal articles

• Policy reports

• Op-eds targeted at decision-makers

The program begins with a two-week exploration phase, during which fellows survey the AI policy landscape before refining a research proposal with guidance from their supervisor.

Throughout the fellowship, participants engage in:

• Expert Q&A sessions

• Hands-on policy workshops

• Peer feedback discussions

• Networking events with policymakers and researchers

Who Should Apply?

GovAI emphasizes that the fellowship is bipartisan, bringing together participants from diverse political perspectives to address shared AI governance challenges.

They are seeking applicants who demonstrate:

• Strong analytical reasoning

• Clear and persuasive writing

• Relevant subject-matter expertise

• Good professional judgment

• Openness to feedback

Eligible Backgrounds

The program welcomes:

• Early-career professionals (including undergraduates)

• Mid-career professionals

• Individuals transitioning from related fields such as:

  • Public policy

  • Computer science

  • Economics

  • Cybersecurity

  • China studies

  • Risk management

There are no strict degree requirements, making this fellowship accessible to a wide range of applicants with strong intellectual ability and interest in AI governance.

Critical Eligibility Requirement

Applicants must already have legal authorization to work in the United States through August 28, 2026.

GovAI does not sponsor visas.

Application Process

The selection process consists of four stages:

1. Written application

2. Abstract reasoning assessment

3. Paid remote work test

4. Interviews and reference checks

Key Dates & Application Details

• Deadline: Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET

• Location: Washington, DC (In-person)

• Duration: June 8 – August 28, 2026

• Stipend: $21,000 ($7,000/month)

Apply HERE

About GovAI

GovAI researches AI governance risks and advises decision-makers in both industry and government. Its team and alumni have worked across:

• U.S. government bodies (NSC, OSTP, Senate, Commerce, DHS)

• European institutions (EU AI Office, UK AI Security Institute)

• Leading think tanks such as CSIS, CSET, and RAND Corporation

• Frontier AI companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, and DeepMind

This fellowship provides unparalleled exposure to the institutions shaping AI governance at the highest levels.

For aspiring AI policy leaders, the GovAI Summer Fellowship offers a rare combination of funding, mentorship, policy access, and real-world impact — all in the heart of Washington, DC.

Discover more Fellowship opportunities HERE.