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About Us
With a global network of 50 research fellows, the Los Altos Institution is the world’s first high school public policy think tank.
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 release their research and commentary out into the world.
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.
Our Governing Board
The Board of Directors is made up of alumni of the institution and the Executive Chairman. The current Board is listed below:
Maulik Dhakal, Non-Executive Chairman & Jon A. Hayman Director Emeritus (Stanford University '29)
Eric Bagg, Executive Chairman
Sophie Lu, Vice Chairwoman (Harvard University '29)
Devansh Agarwal (Dartmouth College '29)
Fernanda Escalante (University of Chicago '29)
Sophie Glass (The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania '29)
Jack Gordon (Yale University '28)
Julian Hong (Harvard University '30)
Dhruv Nagarajan (Yale University '29)
Tyler Rose (yCombinator-backed startup founder)
