OpenAI Scholars Program

OpenAI has introduced the OpenAI Scholars program, a remote initiative designed to provide 6–10 individuals from underrepresented groups with the financial support and mentorship needed to study deep learning full-time for three months. The program aims to increase diversity within the AI field to ensure that future advanced AI systems are built to benefit everyone.

Program Objectives and Diversity Goals

OpenAI views diversity as a core requirement for AI to have a positive global impact. The Scholars program is designed to lower the barriers to entry for those who cannot commit to long-term residencies or relocate to the Bay Area due to family or other obligations. While OpenAI hopes some participants may eventually join the company, the primary goal is to improve diversity across the broader AI research community.

Resources and Support for Scholars

Participants in the OpenAI Scholars program receive a comprehensive support package to facilitate full-time study:

  • Financial Stipend: A monthly stipend of $7,500 for three months (from June 4, 2018, to August 31, 2018).
  • Compute Credits: $25,000 in Amazon Web Services (AWS) credits per scholar.
  • Mentorship: Each scholar is paired with a mentor who provides at least one hour of video call mentorship per week, as well as ongoing support via chat and email to help design and execute a technical project.
  • Infrastructure: Access to a group Slack for collaboration and optional desk space at the OpenAI San Francisco office for those located in the Bay Area.

Participant Expectations and Deliverables

Scholars are expected to dedicate themselves to deep learning full-time for the duration of the program. The program requires two primary forms of public documentation:

  1. Weekly Progress Logs: Scholars must write a weekly blog post detailing what they learned, the materials they found useful, and the questions they encountered.
  2. Open-Source Project: By the end of the three-month period, scholars must complete and open-source a project.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria

OpenAI is open to all experience levels and backgrounds, noting that a PhD is not a requirement for working in AI. Eligibility is restricted to members of underrepresented groups in science and engineering who possess US work authorization and are located in a US timezone.

Technical Prerequisites:

  • Proficiency in Python programming.
  • A fundamental understanding of calculus and linear algebra.

Selection Criteria:

  • Impact: The degree to which the grant and mentorship will enable the applicant to achieve goals they otherwise could not.
  • Motivation and Communication: Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to inspire others to learn deep learning.
  • Technical Skills: The strength of the applicant's technical background, which determines how much of the program can be focused on deep learning specifically.

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