ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The AI for Impact Co-op Program represents a groundbreaking leap into the future of experiential learning. For 23 transformative weeks, you will be immersed in the world of generative artificial intelligence (AI), becoming architects of positive change. Your mission? To deliver cutting-edge projects that enhance lives in partnership with governmental, nonprofit, social impact and civic organizations and companies. This position provides valuable hands-on experience in leveraging artificial intelligence to address societal challenges and drive innovation within the public sector.
In this "product-based learning program," you will be guided by professional advisors to design and implement solutions to complex problems. You will learn to use technology to become a powerful agent of change with the skills to deliver transformative innovations in collaboration with the communities you are serving.
The program will be fully immersive. The coop will be complemented by a course comprising intensive skill-building workshops where students will learn human-centered, data-driven project, product management and problem solving skills as well as do deep dives into artificial intelligence. These workshops are optionally credit bearing.
Students from all departments and disciplines are welcome and invited to apply.
Examples of past projects:
- AI-EP (Innovate Public Schools): Assisting low-literacy and immigrant families the ability to translate, summarize, and ask questions about Individualized Education Programs (IEP) for children with disabilities.
- The RIDE Guide Al: Massachusetts’ paratransit system helps 44,000 residents obtain access to work, healthcare and community. This tool helps serve them faster and more accurately.
- FAIR (Fast Al-Assisted Investigation & Review): Enhancing civil rights investigations to handle rising complaint volumes faster and more accurately across New Jersey.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit your résumé and answer the following questions below
Timeline for applying:
Applications will be collected through October 31st with rolling review
Selected candidates will interview through November 15th, with final offers coming thereafter
WHO YOU ARE
We are seeking a current undergraduate or graduate student who is passionate about social change through the application of generative AI. The ideal candidate possesses the following qualifications and attributes:
- Passion for mission-driven work to improve people's lives using technology
Demonstrated interest in AI and its potential for solving complex societal challenges
- Evidence of having completed a project from design to inception, not necessarily in AI, but where you've managed through to completion
- Entrepreneurial and able to work independently and in a team on a professional project with tight deadlines
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present ideas effectively
- Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Organized and capable of managing multiple tasks within deadline-driven environments
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work with a our product and project managers to understand the client's needs
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to understand the problem to be solve
- Research technical and policy solutions to the problem using evidence-based research methods
- Manage the design and execution of AI product development from idea to implementation
- Write about and explain your work for public audiences
SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN
- How to project manage an agile software development project
- How to develop a usable product with and for affected communities
- Human-centered and participatory methods for problem solving
- How to communicate with a professional client
- How to organize a feedback session
- How to subject matter expertise and problem solving skills to address real world problems
AI TECHNOLOGIES YOU'LL WORK WITH
As an AI for Impact Fellow, you'll gain hands-on experience with industry-leading AI platforms and tools including:
- Large Language Models: Learn how to effectively prompt and fine-tune models like ChatGPT and Claude to address specific use cases and domain challenges
- Cloud AI Services: Build scalable solutions using AWS AI services (like Amazon Bedrock, SageMaker, Comprehend) and Azure AI tools (like Azure OpenAI Service, Azure Cognitive Services)
- Product Development Pipeline: Experience the full cycle of AI product development from conceptualization to deployment
- Responsible AI Implementation: Apply ethical frameworks and best practices when deploying AI in sensitive contexts and for vulnerable populations
This program offers a unique opportunity to build practical experience with these cutting-edge technologies while applying them to meaningful social impact challenges.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is a hybrid role where students should expect to attend some meetings in person with clients. A car is not needed and public transportation can be used to access all in person meetings. This full-time role (35 hrs/week) will pay $32 per hour, and will run for a duration of 23 weeks. The experience will run from January 12th through June 18th, 2026.
WHO WE ARE AND HOW WE WORK
The Burnes Center for Social Change and its partner project, The GovLab, conducts applied research and implements projects with collaborating institutions, including national, state and local government agencies, global philanthropies, and intergovernmental organizations.
Part think-tank and part public-purpose consulting group, we combine knowledge of the academy, with the innovation of the private sector, to deliver positive social impact on public problems like climate change, racial justice, inequality, and hunger.
Any questions, please reach out to David Fields: d.fields@northeastern.edu