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About Us

With a global network of 60 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 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 1,500 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 the next generation.

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Meet the Team

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Maulik Dhakal

Jon Alvin Hayman Director |
Senior Fellow on Global Policy

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Devansh Agarwal

Associate Director on Operations | Senior Fellow on Misinformation & Artificial Intelligence

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Kayvon Banankah

Associate Director on Finance | Fellow on Financial Education

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Sophie Glass

Associate Director on Finance | Fellow on Business and Political Economy

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Charley Matthews

Associate Director on Events

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Talia Frank

Assistant Director on Recruitment | Fellow on Health Policy

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Allison Cho

Assistant Director on Fellows Management | Fellow on Environmental Justice

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Travis Hodges

Deputy Director | Senior Fellow on Economic Policy

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Joshua Tang

Associate Director on Fellows Management | Senior Fellow on Science Policy

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Fernanda Escalante

Associate Director on Communications | Fellow on Development Economics

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Christine Gibson

Associate Director on Development | Fellow on Nonprofit Affairs

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Eric Bagg

Associate Director on Recruitment | Fellow on Healthcare Economics

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Theo Dischler

Assistant Director on Communications | Fellow on Sports Medicine

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Gabriel Kirkwood

Chief of Staff to the Director | Senior Fellow on Aerospace and Law

Jon Alvin Hayman

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 be 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:

  • building strong democratic systems

  • expanding economic prosperity

  • achieving a clear-eyed view of global geopolitics 

  • grappling with the impacts of rapid innovation

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To drive policy innovation our centers advise government boards, city councils, prime ministers, governors, and corporations on best practices backed by extensive study and research.

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Join the Los Altos Institution’s community of supporters in making policy research and education accessible to all high schoolers.

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