Apply Now: New AI Civic Action Accelerator

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Apply Now: New AI Civic Action Accelerator

Article Published July 16, 2026

Applications are now open for the inaugural cohort of our AI Civic Action Accelerator. If you have a policy idea for how governments could tackle an artificial intelligence (AI) issue in society, use AI more effectively, or harness AI to improve civic engagement, this program is for you. The program is free, part-time, virtual, and open to both individuals and teams.

Over the course of the Accelerator’s 6 sessions, participants will workshop and refine their policy projects with support from peers and expert Aspen Policy Academy instructors. Participants will also learn the Academy’s core framework for achieving policy impact, preparing them to effect change at the local and state levels.

Graduates will leave the program with a concrete civic AI policy solution and a policy engagement strategy.

Important information and dates:

The Program:

Sessions run 9:30 – 11:30am PT/12:30 – 2:30pm ET on: October 22, October 29, November 5, November 12, November 19, and December 3.
Participants should expect to spend 8-10 hours a week outside of class time completing readings and assignments.

The Application:

Priority deadline: Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:59pm PT
Final deadline: Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 11:59pm PT
Qualified applicants include subject-matter experts on tech and AI issues (e.g., engineers, tech start-up founders, tech policy communications professionals, and tech lawyers) with specific ideas for broader policy change based on their expertise. They may also include community members pushing for a specific civic AI policy change in their local municipality (e.g., community member applicants might have a new idea for how their city can handle engaging the public using AI).
You may apply as an individual or in teams of up to 4.

Help your government meet the moment and integrate cutting-edge technology responsibly. Don’t miss your chance to apply!

Learn More and Apply

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