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About Us
With a global network of 62 research fellows, the Los Altos Institution is the world’s first high school public policy think tank. Join us in pioneering the transformation of research to redefine public policy for tomorrow's global leaders.
Who We Are
The Los Altos Institution on Politics, Policy, Law, and the Economy is America's first high schooler-run and oriented policy think tank and focuses on research around politics, all forms of public policy, law, and economics. The Los Altos Institution consists of research fellows who are currently in high school and is advised by the Board of Overseers, adults who have successfully led organizations similar to the Institution in the past. Our research fellows are assisted by a team of 1,500 research cohort members, including professors, college students, and industry-renowned professionals. The Institution hosts events, publishes research, and works to build better policy education and dialogue with a global audience.
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At The Los Altos Institution, we're shaping the future of public policy by revolutionizing research for the world leaders of the next generation.
Meet the Team
Our Story
Jon Alvin Hayman was a longtime teacher at Egan Junior High School when he taught Maulik Dhakal for his 8th grade history class. Hayman had been a lawyer, public servant, and entrepreneur and was a strong believer in breaking down echo chambers and encouraging his students to critically think and research before formulating their own thoughts. He instilled those values in the thousands of students he taught over the years, giving Dhakal the inspiration to open a think tank for young students after Hayman’s passing in November of 2022. This made the Los Altos Institution the world’s first high school tank, providing a forum for young people to release their research and commentary out into the world. The Directorship of the Institution is named in Hayman’s honor, and it will continue to be led by the Jon Alvin Hayman Director.
Institutional Priorities
The Los Altos Institution’s research priorities aim to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, including building strong democratic systems; expanding economic prosperity; upholding a system of good local governance; achieving a clear-eyed view about geopolitical relations throughout the world; and grappling with the impacts of rapid technological innovation on governments and economies. The Los Altos Institution is also unique among policy think tanks for its commitment to drawing on young people to develop research and aim to improve society.
Recognizing the Traits of Strong Economies
The Center on Economic Policy works to understand what makes successful economies possible and is led by Senior Fellows Travis Hodges and Jack Gordon.
Advising Developing Democracies
The Center on Developing Democracies helps nations build successful and sustainable government institutions and is led by Senior Fellows Carter McKinzie and Divaa Uthkarsha.
Investigating Successful State and Local Governance
The Center on Local and State Governance recognizes the impacts of policies made and enforced at lower levels of government, and is led by Senior Fellow Eli Solomon
Researching International Geopolitical Relations
The Center on Global Policy researches geopolitical relationships across the world and is led by Senior Fellows Maulik Dhakal and Khyati Kapur.
Articulating the Effects of Science on Public Policy
The Center on Science and Policy links scientific advances to policy phenomena and is led by Senior Fellows Joshua Tang and Alex Tasic.
Understanding the Humanistic Perspective on AI
The Center on Artificial Intelligence and Policy analyzes the ethics and applications of AI in the contemporary world and is led by Senior Fellow Devansh Agarwal.
Understanding Public Opinion and Political Strategy
The Center on Politics analyzes the state of elections and measures public opinion. It is led by Senior Fellow Quinn Mitchell.
