The Center for AI and Digital Policy (CAIDP) has launched applications for its highly competitive Spring 2026 AI Policy Clinics. These intensive, semester-long courses are designed to train future leaders in AI policy.
Opportunity Details
This educational opportunity is free of charge, as it is funded by CAIDP philanthropic funders and other sources. The clinic program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
CAIDP, which was founded by Marc Rotenberg—a veteran privacy advocate, lawyer, and professor based in DC—particularly encourages applicants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and MENA regions to apply. The program is competitive, previously receiving over 1,500 applications for 400 spots.
Course Content and Skills
The introductory clinic aims to develop essential skills, including AI policy analytic skills, team-based research expertise, and country assessment capabilities. Participants analyze public comment opportunities and contribute to the 2026 CAIDP Index.
Successful graduates earning the AI Policy Certificate must complete research, present country assessments, and pass a 50-question exam. Advanced participants who show distinction lead research teams and coordinate Index assessments.
Spring 2026 topics include a focus on critical global and regional policy areas, such as the EU AI Act, US Executive Orders, California AI laws, the African Union AI Initiative, the Council of Europe Treaty, UNESCO Ethics, and OECD Principles.
Carolina A. Rossini, a Professor of Practice in the School of Public Policy and Director for Programs of the Public Interest Technology Initiative at UMass, highly recommends the CAIDP program, noting she has been involved with the organization since its inception.
Professor Rossini is happy to speak with interested UMass students and can provide a recommendation if helpful.
How to Apply
Interested students should read about the CAIDP mission, goals, and global impact prior to applying. Applicants must submit their materials by the deadline of December 1, 2025, at 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time.
Only one application should be submitted per semester. The outcome of the application review will be emailed to each applicant by the first week of January 2026, with classes scheduled to start on January 19, 2026