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Los Altos Institution Fellowships
Our two free fellowships, the flagship Los Altos Institution Fellowship and the new Pathways Fellowship, are aimed at providing research opportunities for dynamic youth, building the next generation of leaders, and driving innovation in all spheres of policy.
Our flagship fellowship program has been renewed for another year!
We're looking for 50 high school students (next year's 9th - 12th graders) who are interested in conducting high-level research and collaborating with others to drive policy innovation. This no-cost, year-long fellowship program includes the following:
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curated crash course on conducting empirical research
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literature and research material purchasing budget
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access to guidance from 2 professors and industry experts who are in our 1500-strong advisory cohort
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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
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assistance in publishing and promoting research and commentary in high-level publications
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invitations to network at LAI-exclusive events with current and former industry and world leaders
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opportunity to present at our April 2026 Policy Innovations Summit in San Fransisco to an audience of pioneering academics, heads of governments, and founders of leading businesses.
Benefits of Being an LAI Fellow
Our fellows enjoy excellent benefits, at no cost, beyond just their research! From networking, to travel, publication support to an impactful line on their college applications, and much more; fellows will experience a great fellowship year.
Research & Publishing Support
LAI Fellows enjoy research support from professors and other industry experts, paired with access to crash courses on research related to their topics. Additionally, our newly created publishing team will help you publish in high school, undergraduate, or even professional journals, as well as newspapers and sites.
Networking & Travel Opportunities
Fellows can attend private networking events with policymakers, business leaders, and professors. Additionally, LAI will cover travel costs for fellows who are presenting at our policy innovations summit. Select fellows are also given a research travel budget and so far have gone to California, China, the UK, & Austria.
University & College Applications
The incredible work ethic and passion of our LAI fellows has meant that from our graduating class, all who have received decisions so far have been accepted to Top 25 universities including Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Georgetown, Vanderbilt, and more! Additionally, we will provide access to test and college coaching to Pathways Fellows.
We're so excited to announce the creation of a new two-year fellowship aimed at empowering youth from underprivileged communities and socioeconomic backgrounds!
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We're looking for 10 high school students (next year's 9th - 11th graders) who are interested in conducting high-level research and collaborating with others to drive policy innovation. This no-cost fellowship program includes the following:
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everything included in our flagship Los Altos Institution Fellowship.
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pairing with an undergraduate student mentor, with similar interests, at a Top 25 United States university.
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fully covered professional college application coaching including college list creation assistance, help in building activities list, essay review, and scholarship application calendar.
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placement in an internship at one of our partner organizations for the summer of 2026.
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fully covered digital SAT or ACT test preparation account via PrepScholar.
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$250 social innovation microgrant for a service club or organization at your school.
Pathways
Fellowship
Eligibility: Those from communities and/or households with high socioeconomic barriers to opportunities
Application Deadline: January 5, 2025
Interviews: January - February, 2025
Decisions: February 20, 2025
Fellowship Orientation: March 31, 2025
Fellowship End Date: May 1, 2027
Annual Fellowship Value*: $5300
Fellowship Cost: $0
*compared to similar, tuition-required programs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question that wasn't answered below, please contact us at info@losaltosinsitution.org
Is there a cost to participate in the fellowship programs? No, all fellowships are free.
What is the difference between the Los Altos Institution Fellowship and the Pathways Fellowship? The Los Altos Institution Fellowship, our flagship 1-year program, provides research support with professors, a curated crash course, publication support, and a purchasing budget for literature and other research related expenses. It is open to all students who will attend high school during the 2025-26 academic year. The Pathways Fellowship is a two year program also offers all these benefits but has some additional attributes including college and standardized test coaching, pairing with a student at a T25 university, and greater financial support. It is open to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who will be in grades 9-11 during the 2025-26 academic year.
I've noticed that LAI is a "policy think tank," does that mean that fellows can't do STEM research? No! In fact, LAI has two STEM related policy centers and close to half our fellows work on a STEM related or adjacent topic. You're welcome to research whatever you'd like, but are required to participate in policy work through your center.
I noticed that LAI asks for standardized test scores, will I be penalized for choosing not to submit them? Not at all, SAT and ACT scores are totally optional.
Are fellows paid or given a stipend? No, fellows can receive volunteer hours, however. Additionally, fellows are given a research budget.
Can I apply to both fellowships? If you are eligible for both, yes, you are welcome to apply for them. However, if selected, you'll only be invited to participate in one fellowship.
I am a current senior in high school, am I eligible to apply? Unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply to the fellowship.
I live outside of the United States, am I eligible to apply? Yes! LAI is a global organization with a worldwide network of fellows.
What is the difference between a Fellow and a Senior Fellow? Senior Fellows hold leadership roles in the centers and also receive larger research budgets. To be under consideration for a Senior Fellow position, you must have either completed one year as a Los Altos Institution fellow or have incredible research experience.
