The AI Policy Leadership Network (APLN) brings together experienced professionals from across the AI policy landscape to engage with the people and issues defining America's approach to AI. APLN is organized by the Foundation for American Innovation, the Center for a New American Security, and the Horizon Institute for Public Service.

Applications are now closed

Please contact info@aipolicyleaders.net with any questions about the application process or program.

Program overview

Artificial intelligence technologies are advancing rapidly, creating extraordinary opportunities and challenges for our nation. Successfully navigating the AI era will require strong connections and active exchange among policy leaders in government, think tanks, and industry. 

The AI Policy Leadership Network (APLN) is a part-time program designed to strengthen relationships among AI policy leaders and provide them direct exposure to the people, places, and ideas at the forefront of AI.

Timeline: Mid-March–late July 2026
Programming: Monthly evening discussions in Washington, DC with key figures in AI policy; one multi-day learning trip to the San Francisco Bay Area (April 2026, exact dates TBD).
Time commitment: APLN is a part-time program designed to be compatible with demanding full-time roles, and has no homework.
Cost: All program expenses are covered, including travel and accommodations for the learning trip.
Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar
President, Carnegie Endowment
Sen. Jim Banks (R-IN)
Darío Gil
Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy
Keith Sonderling
Acting Secretary of Labor
Gina Raimondo
Former U.S. Secretary of Commerce
Oren Cass
Founder of American Compass

Featured speakers

The APLN experience

APLN will bring together about 25 experienced professionals from across the AI policy ecosystem and the political spectrum, including the executive and legislative branches, the military and intelligence community, think tanks, and the private sector. Our 2026 cohort already includes confirmed participants from organizations including the White House, DeepMind, the Heritage Foundation, the United States Senate, the Institute for Progress, the Department of State, and American Compass.

  • Participants will engage in a series of off-the-record evening discussions with key figures in AI and technology policy, including senior government officials and AI thought leaders.

  • Participants will travel together to the San Francisco Bay Area to explore the cutting edge of American AI, including visits to AI infrastructure (such as data centers and manufacturing facilities) and engagement with leading developers and thought leaders in industry.

  • APLN provides a forum for insightful exchanges and lasting relationships. Participants retain access to the APLN community and resources after the program ends.

Who should apply

Desired qualifications

  • At least six (and up to twenty-five) years of professional experience, including at least four years in organizations relevant to any aspect of U.S. AI policy (government, think tanks, tech companies, the military, etc.)

  • A current role that is relevant to AI policy (broadly construed) or significant interest in AI policy issues

  • Demonstrated commitment to public service

  • Located in Washington, DC, or currently based in the United States and able to travel to DC regularly for in-person programming

Candidate profiles

You might be a good fit for the program if you’re interested in AI policy and have any of the following on your resume:

  • Policymaking or policy implementation experience in any branch of the U.S. federal government

  • Military and/or intelligence experience

  • Work experience at a national lab, FFRDC, or government contractor

  • Work experience at a think tank or other policy-relevant research organization

  • Private-sector experience related to AI or technology

  • Significant subject-matter expertise in any domain broadly relevant to AI (e.g. national security, economics, labor policy)

These profiles are not exhaustive. If you’re interested in the program, we strongly encourage you to apply.

FAQ

  • No. We welcome individuals with substantial professional experience and strong interest in AI policy issues, regardless of age.

  • Participation in APLN is intended to be compatible with a demanding full-time work schedule, with programming spread out intermittently over several months. We anticipate the evening conversations will all take place outside working hours; the learning trip may take place partially or entirely during the work week.

  • Participants are expected to attend all APLN programming, including the evening conversations and the learning trip, and to work with their employers to secure any needed time off in advance.  However, we understand that unforeseen professional obligations may arise and will work with participants to manage conflicts.

  • Not at all. We are seeking experienced professionals whose work and interests touch on AI policy. Expertise in AI technology or policy or in related areas is welcome, but not required.

  • Yes. We welcome applications from AI-interested professionals whose primary expertise is in other domains (e.g., national security, economics, program management, communications), or who work on broad issue portfolios. 

  • We have designed APLN programming to conform to relevant government ethics requirements. However, participants are responsible for securing all necessary approvals for their participation.

  • The program will run from mid-March through late July 2026. Evening discussions will take place approximately once per month, with the day of the week varying to accommodate different schedules. The multi-day trip is planned for April (exact dates TBD). We will work with participants to minimize scheduling conflicts where possible.

  • All APLN evening discussions will take place in person in Washington, DC. Participants outside DC are welcome, but will need to travel to DC for these events at their own expense. If coming to DC approximately once a month for a several-month period feels feasible to you, please don’t hesitate to apply. 

    • APLN is not a training, placement, or academic fellowship program. Our participants are already established professionals positioned to shape AI policy. APLN does not offer a stipend or place participants in jobs or internships.

    • APLN is organized around conversation and exploration, not instruction. APLN programming focuses on building relationships across the AI policy ecosystem and providing direct exposure to the technical, industrial, and political realities shaping AI development. There are no instructors, no homework, and no final project.

    • APLN is open to a broad range of participants. We seek participants with diverse political perspectives, subject matter specialties, and AI policy priorities.

  • The application process includes a short application form, a remote interview, and the submission of two references whom we may contact to learn about your professional history.

  • Applications should be submitted no later than Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. Interviews will take place in January 2026, and the final cohort will be selected in February.

  • Please reach out to info@aipolicyleaders.net with any additional questions.