SAN FRANCISCO — OpenAI is offering 6–10 stipends and mentorship opportunities to individuals from underrepresented groups interested in studying deep learning full-time for 3 months and contributing to an open-source project.
Interested individuals can apply for this remote program, which is open to those with US work authorization residing in US time zones. For those in the Bay Area, desk space at OpenAI’s San Francisco office is available upon request. In exchange for the stipend and mentorship, participants are asked to document their deep learning journey, aiming to inspire others.
The initiative stems from a commitment to diversity in AI, recognizing its pivotal role in ensuring that future AI systems benefit everyone. While OpenAI hopes some scholars will join their team, the broader aim is to enhance diversity in the field as a whole.
Participants will receive a monthly stipend of $7,500 for the duration of the program, running from June 4th to August 31st, 2018. Additionally, each scholar will receive $25,000 worth of credits from Amazon Web Services and will be assigned a mentor who will offer guidance and support throughout the program.
Expectations include full-time dedication to studying deep learning, weekly blog updates on progress, and the completion and open-sourcing of a project by the program’s end.
Applicants must belong to an underrepresented group in science and engineering, possess US work authorization, and be located in a US time zone. They should also demonstrate proficiency in calculus and linear algebra, as well as programming skills in Python.
Selection criteria include the potential impact of the grant and mentorship on the applicant’s goals, self-motivation, communication skills, and technical proficiency.
Applications are open immediately, with a rolling review process starting on March 14th and closing no later than 11:59pm PT on March 31st. Decision notifications will be sent by April 16th.
