Applications open for Horizon’s AI policy Career Accelerator

Deadline: 21-Jun-2026

Applications are open for Horizon’s AI Policy Career Accelerator, a 9-month, part-time remote program designed to help individuals launch, advance, or transition into careers in AI policy. The program provides career guidance, mentorship, training, networking opportunities, and funding support to help participants secure roles across government, think tanks, research institutions, and other policy-focused organizations.

The accelerator is open to individuals at all career stages and aims to strengthen the pipeline of professionals working on AI governance, public policy, and emerging technology issues.

Overview

The Horizon AI Policy Career Accelerator supports aspiring and current AI policy professionals by providing structured career development and access to opportunities within the AI governance ecosystem.

The program focuses on helping participants successfully pursue:

• Internships
• Fellowships
• Part-time positions
• Full-time employment opportunities
• Graduate programs
• Research and policy roles

Participants receive individualized support throughout the program to improve their competitiveness for AI policy careers and expand their professional networks.

Program Duration and Format

• Duration: 9 months
• Format: Part-time
• Delivery mode: Remote
• Open to participants from a range of professional and academic backgrounds

The flexible structure allows participants to continue their studies or professional commitments while engaging with the program.

Program Objectives

The AI Policy Career Accelerator aims to:

• Support career transitions into AI policy
• Increase access to AI governance opportunities
• Develop policy-relevant skills and expertise
• Strengthen public service leadership in emerging technologies
• Help participants secure internships, fellowships, and employment opportunities
• Expand professional networks within the AI policy ecosystem
• Build a pipeline of qualified AI policy professionals

What Participants Receive

The program offers comprehensive career development support tailored to the needs of participants.

Career Guidance

Participants receive:

• Individualized career planning
• Strategic career advice
• Goal-setting support
• Guidance on navigating AI policy career pathways

Mentorship

Participants gain access to:

• Experienced AI policy professionals
• Career mentors
• Sector-specific advice
• Professional development support

Application Support

The program assists participants with:

• Resume and CV development
• Cover letter preparation
• Fellowship applications
• Internship applications
• Graduate program applications
• Interview preparation

Networking Opportunities

Participants may benefit from:

• Professional networking events
• Connections with policy professionals
• Introductions to hiring managers
• Relationship-building opportunities across the AI policy community

Exclusive Job Opportunities

The program provides access to:

• Curated AI policy opportunities
• Internships
• Fellowships
• Research positions
• Government-related opportunities
• Policy-focused employment openings

AI Policy Skill Development

The accelerator helps participants build practical knowledge and skills relevant to AI governance and public policy.

Key areas may include:

• AI governance
• Technology policy
• Public policy analysis
• Legislative processes
• Federal policymaking
• Research and policy development
• Regulatory frameworks
• Emerging technology governance

Participants may also gain exposure to policy work involving:

• Congress
• Federal agencies
• Think tanks
• Research institutions
• Public-interest organizations

Career Development Funding

One of the program’s distinctive features is access to career development funding.

Funding Available

• Up to $100,000 per participant
• Funding awarded at the organization’s discretion
• Support based on anticipated policy career impact and benefit

Eligible Uses of Funding

Funding may be used for:

• Unpaid policy roles
• Underpaid policy opportunities
• Professional development courses
• Conferences and training programs
• Career-related travel
• Relocation expenses associated with policy opportunities
• Other approved career development activities

Important Funding Notes

• Participants do not need to have secured an opportunity before applying for funding.
• Funding decisions are made independently by the organization.
• Certain restrictions, exclusions, and eligibility conditions apply.
• Funding approval is not guaranteed for all participants.

Eligible Applicants

The program is designed for individuals across a wide range of career stages.

Eligible applicants may include:

• Undergraduate students
• Graduate students
• Recent graduates
• Early-career professionals
• Mid-career professionals
• Senior professionals
• Career changers seeking to enter AI policy

There are no formal minimum education requirements or mandatory work experience thresholds.

Applicant Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Strong interest in AI policy
• Commitment to public service
• Motivation to pursue policy-related careers
• Understanding of AI governance issues
• Relevant experience or engagement with AI policy topics

Relevant engagement may include:

• Academic coursework
• Research projects
• Professional experience
• Volunteer activities
• Independent study
• Self-directed learning

Applicants should also possess:

• Strong written communication skills
• Effective verbal communication abilities
• Interpersonal and collaboration skills
• Professional maturity and motivation

Work Authorization Requirements

Most applicants are expected to have existing U.S. work authorization because the program does not generally provide visa sponsorship.

However, exceptional international applicants may be considered for alternative pathways such as:

• Graduate study opportunities
• Remote research positions
• Non-sponsored opportunities aligned with program objectives

Selection Process

The selection process is designed to assess motivation, potential, experience, and fit for AI policy careers.

Stage 1: Online Application

Applicants must submit:

• CV or resume (maximum two pages)
• Short-answer responses
• Information about experience and interests

Stage 2: Additional Assessments

Selected candidates may be invited to participate in:

• Interviews
• Paid work tests
• Reference checks

Optional Funding Proposal

Applicants may also submit an optional funding proposal.

The proposal:

• May be approximately 1,000 words
• Explains how funding would support career development goals
• Helps evaluators understand potential use of financial support

Assessment Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Motivation for public service
• Interest in AI policy
• Relevant academic or professional experience
• Evidence of engagement with AI governance topics
• Communication and writing skills
• Potential for impact in AI policy careers
• Overall fit with program objectives

Tips for Applicants

• Clearly explain your interest in AI policy and governance.
• Demonstrate a genuine commitment to public service.
• Highlight relevant academic, professional, or research experience.
• Showcase independent learning and engagement with AI policy topics.
• Provide concise and well-structured responses.
• Tailor your application to long-term policy career goals.
• Use the optional funding proposal to clearly demonstrate career impact and funding needs.

Why This Program Matters

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes economies, governments, and societies, there is growing demand for professionals who can develop effective policies and governance frameworks. The Horizon AI Policy Career Accelerator helps address this need by supporting individuals who want to contribute to responsible AI development and public-interest policymaking.

By combining mentorship, training, networking, career guidance, and funding support, the program creates pathways for talented individuals to enter and advance within the rapidly evolving field of AI policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who can apply for the Horizon AI Policy Career Accelerator?
  • Students, recent graduates, early-career professionals, mid-career professionals, senior professionals, and career changers interested in AI policy.
• How long is the program?
  • The program runs for 9 months and is delivered on a part-time remote basis.
• Is prior AI policy experience required?
  • No formal experience requirement exists, but applicants should demonstrate meaningful interest and engagement with AI policy issues.
• How much funding is available?
  • Participants may apply for career development funding of up to $100,000.
• Can funding support unpaid policy opportunities?
  • Yes. Funding may support unpaid or underpaid policy roles, among other approved career development expenses.
• Is U.S. work authorization required?
  • Generally yes, as visa sponsorship is not provided, although exceptional international applicants may be considered through alternative pathways.
• What materials are required for the application?
  • Applicants must submit a CV or resume of up to two pages along with short-answer responses. Additional interviews, work tests, and references may be required for shortlisted candidates.

Conclusion

The Horizon AI Policy Career Accelerator provides a structured pathway for individuals seeking careers in AI governance and public policy. Through mentorship, career coaching, networking opportunities, application support, and access to funding of up to $100,000, the program helps participants build the skills, experience, and professional connections needed to secure impactful roles in the rapidly growing field of AI policy.

For more information, visit Horizon Institute for Public Service.