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About Us
With a global network of 50 policy 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 include tomorrow's global leaders and redefine public policy.
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 who are assisted in their research by a team of research cohort members, including professors, college students, and industry-renowned professionals. Our fellows also work in centers to advise and innovate on the policy problems of today with the mindset of tomorrow.
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At the Los Altos Institution, we're shaping the future of public policy and opening research opportunities for the next generation.
Meet the Leadership 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 become involved in research-based policy advisory.
The Directorship of the Institution is named in Hayman’s honor, and LAI will continue to uphold his values and belief in the power of youth.
Institutional Priorities
The Los Altos Institution’s research aims to address some of the world’s biggest challenges, including:
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building strong public health systems
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expanding economic prosperity
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achieving a clear-eyed view of global geopolitics
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grappling with the impacts of rapid innovation ​​
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To drive policy innovation our centers advise governmental and private organizations from the local to international level on best practices backed by extensive study and research.
Board of Alumni
Institution alumni guide the organization's strategic vision and oversee the leadership team.
Maulik
Dhakal, Chair '25
International Relations at Stanford University
Sophie
Lu, Vice Chair '25
Economics at Harvard University
Devansh Agarwal '25
Computer Science at Dartmouth College
Theodore Dischler '25
Computer Science at the Massachusetts Institution of Technology
Fernanda Escalante '25
Economics & Political Science at the University of Chicago
Talia
Frank '25
Biology at the University of Texas at Austin
Sophie
Glass '25
Economics at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania
Jack
Gordon '24
Economics & Mathematics at Yale University
Dhruv
Nagarajan '25
Economics & History at Yale University
Tyler
Rose '25
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Office of Bindwell
