OpenAI Scholars 2020 Program Applications

OpenAI has opened applications for the third class of the OpenAI Scholars program. This four-month, full-time initiative provides stipends and mentorship to eight individuals from underrepresented groups to study deep learning and open-source a project.

Program Goals and Diversity

OpenAI aims to increase diversity within the AI field to ensure that future advanced AI systems are built to benefit everyone. While the lab hopes some scholars may eventually join OpenAI, the primary objective is to improve diversity across the broader AI research community.

Program Benefits and Support

Scholars in the 2020 cohort receive comprehensive financial and technical support to facilitate their research:

  • Financial Stipend: A monthly stipend of $8,500 for four months (from February 3, 2020, through June 5, 2020).
  • Compute Resources: $25,000 in Microsoft Azure credits.
  • Mentorship: Weekly 1:1 video calls and ongoing chat/email support from a dedicated mentor to help design and execute a project. Mentors for this class include Alec Radford, Karl Cobbe, Jerry Tworek, Christine Payne, Johannes Otterbach, Melanie Subbiah, and Sabrina Osmany.
  • Collaboration Tools: Access to a dedicated group Slack for scholars and mentors.
  • Office Space: An optional desk at the OpenAI office for participants located in the Bay Area.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

OpenAI is seeking applicants from all experience levels and backgrounds, explicitly noting that a PhD is not required to work in AI.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Underrepresented Status: Be a member of a group underrepresented in science and engineering.
  • Software Engineering Experience: Have at least two years of experience in software engineering.
  • Technical Proficiency: Be comfortable programming in Python.
  • Legal Status: Possess existing US work authorization and be located in the United States for the duration of the program.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis based on three primary factors:

  1. Technical Skills: Stronger technical backgrounds allow scholars to focus more intensely on deep learning.
  2. Self-motivation: A proven track record of being self-directed on large, challenging, and independent projects.
  3. Leadership Abilities: An interest in community building and the ability to inspire others to learn deep learning.

Program Timeline

The 2020 Scholars program follows this schedule:

  • September 23, 2019: Applications open
  • November 15, 2019: Applications close
  • December 13, 2019: Accepted applicants notified
  • February 3, 2020: Cohort start and welcome dinner (onsite in San Francisco)
  • May 29, 2020: Final project due
  • June 5, 2020: Demo day (onsite)

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