The Los Altos Institution on Politics, Policy, Law, and the Economy is looking for 10 high school students (next year's 9th - 11th graders) from disadvantaged backgrounds who are interested in conducting high-level research and collaborating with others to drive policy innovation. This two-year, no-cost fellowship program includes the following:
- Curated crash course on conducting empirical research
- Literature and research material purchasing budget
- Access to guidance from 2 professors and industry experts who are in our 1500-strong advisory cohort
- Placement in one of LAI's policy centers or working groups that advise corporations, city councils, governors, and prime ministers on pressing policy issues of the day
- Assistance in publishing and promoting research and commentary in high-level publications
- Pairing with an undergraduate student mentor with similar interests at a Top 25 United States university.
- Fully covered professional college application coaching including college list creation assistance, help in building activities list, essay review, and scholarship application calendar.
- Placement in an internship at one of our partner organizations for the summer of 2026.
- Fully covered digital SAT or ACT test preparation account via PrepScholar.
- $250 social innovation microgrant for a service club or organization at your school.
Location(s)
- Remote
Schedule
- May 31, 2025 - May 1, 2027
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a current high school student during the fellowship period and be a member of a community or household with high socioeconomic barriers to opportunities.
Deadline
- May 20, 2025
Application or Entry Requirements
- April 30, 2025
Notifications of Decisions
Financial Aid Details
- Completed online application
- Test scores
- Areas of policy interest
- Resume
- Short answer essay answering the following:
- Please briefly describe the research topic you plan to explore as part of the Los Altos Institution fellowship program. Keep in mind, this does not have to be the same topic you mentioned earlier, and you can adjust your focus if you are accepted into the fellowship. Additionally, why are you particularly interested in this topic, and how do you envision your research contributing to solving global challenges? (100 words limit)
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Los Altos Institution on Politics, Policy, Law, and the Economy is a think tank founded in 2023 and based in Los Altos, California. It is notable for being the first policy think tank in the United States that is both run by and oriented towards high school students. The institution focuses on research in areas such as politics, public policy, law, and economics. Its Board of Overseers is composed of high school research fellows, who are supported by a team of approximately 1,500 research cohort members, including professors, college students, and industry professionals. The institution's mission is to pioneer the transformation of research by incorporating and emphasizing the contributions of future global leaders.
