Aspen Digital

State and local governments across the US are evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) tools to improve systems and operations for the public’s benefit.

As part of this process, these civil servants are focused on hiring people from the tech field who have the deep knowledge and experience to assist with developing ethical AI processes, managing AI procurement, and advising on AI policies.

ABOUT THE Program

The Rising Civic AI Leaders Program is a free, part-time, unpaid virtual program that teaches AI and emerging technology professionals who are new to government how to have policy impact. Participants will learn how to have an impact in government, gain concrete skills they can use in their new roles, and build a community of practice of people who are passionate about influencing how AI policy is shaped.  

Before applying, please carefully review the Rising Civic AI Leaders details and eligibility below.

Deadline

Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:59pm PT

Timeline

April 21-June 23: The application window is open.

Mid-July: Interviews are held.

By July 31: Participants are notified of their acceptance.

September 18: Orientation from 10am-3pm PT / 1-6pm ET

September 25-November 20: Sessions on Tuesdays from 11am-1pm PT / 2-4pm ET

Eligibility

We are looking for subject matter experts with technical knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI) and/or emerging technologies who are new to government and whose job responsibilities will include AI issues. Applicants ideally should have started their roles in government within the last year and have prior experience in the tech sector, civil society, or academia. Example candidates include a city’s chief AI officer, a state agency representative responsible for AI at their agency, a city’s director of emerging technology, etc. 

Ideal candidates will: 

• Currently work in local or state government with responsibility for AI implementation or policy (e.g., procurement);
• Be new to working in government and have been hired into government within the last year; and
• Have prior experience in an AI-related field within private industry, academia, and/or civil society 

We will also consider candidates who: 

• Currently work in local or state government with responsibility for AI but are not new to government;
• Currently work in local or state government with responsibility for AI, but did not have AI experience before coming into government;
• Do not currently work in government but are actively searching for state and local roles, and have prior experience in an AI-related field within private industry, academia, and/or civil society 

Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and must be participating in their personal capacity. Because this program is for people who want to impact US policymaking, you must either live or be able to work in the United States. Applicants must be able to commit to a virtual orientation and weekly 2-hour virtual sessions during the course dates, as well as completing readings and/or assignments outside of class. There may be an optional in-person gathering in the fall for those who choose to participate.

Where and When

The virtual course is scheduled for September 18-November 20, 2025. The virtual orientation on September 18 will run from 10am-3pm PT / 1-6pm ET and the 2-hour sessions will run from 11am-1pm PT / 2-4pm ET. 

Application Schedule

Admitted applicants will be notified in late July.

The Challenge

Technologists moving from industry to government hope to serve the public and better government systems with their expertise. Yet, they quickly learn that government operates much differently than the private sector and often struggle with the slower timelines and detailed processes.

These new civil servants may be the only people in their team or department with a technology skillset. This can lead to feelings of isolation, a loss of motivation, and early departures of these critical employees, preventing governments from having a firm and sustained grasp on their AI strategy.

Our Approach

To support the success of these technologists-turned-civil-servants, Aspen Digital and the Aspen Policy Academy are hosting the Rising Civic AI Leaders program. This initiative provides recent tech-to-government AI leaders with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to navigate government processes.

We hope to level what is a traditionally steep learning curve for entering government while also building a strong community of civic AI leaders and mentors from across the country.

Follow Along

Support Our Work

If you would like to help support or otherwise get involved with the program, please reach out.

Learn more about A.I.