With guidance from our world-class researchers, scholars will be mentored through designing, building, and producing an open-source research project. Throughout the program, they will document their experience via an ongoing blog with the goal of inspiring others to join the field.

Why we’re doing this

Diversity in the AI research field is core to AI having a positive effect on the world—it’s necessary to ensure that these advanced systems in the future are built to benefit everyone. While many Scholars choose to join OpenAI permanently after the program, we want this program to improve diversity in the field at large.

OpenAI provides each Scholar with

• A dedicated OpenAI mentor to learn and collaborate with, who provides consistent, weekly mentorship, advice, and feedback.
• A $10,000/month stipend for the duration of the program.
• Compute credits provided by Microsoft Azure.
• A Slack community with other Scholars, Fellows, and research mentors. If you’re in the Bay Area, we’ll optionally provide a desk for you at the OpenAI office, once we’re back in person.

Eligible candidates should

• Be a member of an underrepresented group in science and engineering. Our goal is for this program to be as inclusive as possible. If you feel you belong to a group not listed here that is underrepresented in science and engineering, please still apply and mention it in your application.
• Have US work authorization and are physically located in the United States for the duration of the program. Please note that, regrettably, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for this program.
• Have 2+ years of experience in software engineering (no machine learning experience required).
• Have robust programming experience in Python (other languages are also helpful, but you’ll spend the program writing in Python).
• Have a strong math background. For example: have have studied or worked in Data Science, Physics, Chemistry, or other relevant fields.
• Have experience executing on an independent project. For example, you have run/managed an extensive independent project or started a company.
• Have demonstrated interest in ML field.
• Have already completed or will be able to complete Practical Deep Learning for Coders, v3 or Deep Learning Specialization or an equivalent before the start of the program.
• Familiarize yourself with Pytorch.