Helping California Navigate a Rapidly Changing AI Landscape
CCST's AI Policy Initiative provides nonpartisan, science-informed insights to facilitate California's leadership on AI governance in a rapidly evolving landscape. California is home to 33 of the top 50 AI companies worldwide, and California policymakers are leading national action on AI. From advancing frontier AI safety to navigating its social, economic, and environmental impacts, CCST’s AI Policy Initiative provides critical and timely resources for state’s policymakers through flagship programs including CCST’s Legislative Staff Academy on AI and CCST’s AI Science Residency Program.
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AI Science Residency Program
Advising California's Executive Branch on Frontier AI Safety
As part of the CCST Science Residency Program, CCST placed California's first AI Science Advisors in the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the California Department of Technology (CDT) to support California’s executive branch in implementing recent legislation on frontier AI safety. Their advice helps the agencies optimize their AI governance efforts and establish new partnerships for improving AI safety with the best available science and technology.
Legislative Staff Academy on AI
Providing AI Fundamentals and More for California Legislative Staff
CCST launched the CCST Legislative Academy on AI in October 2025. This educational initiative is designed to support foundational understanding and policy fluency around artificial intelligence among California’s legislative staff. The initial program began in fall 2025, with a full academy launching in Fall 2026 and continuing through 2027. The AI Academy is supported by a partnership with Omidyar Network, with additional collaboration from the Kapor Foundation.
AI Policy Funding Campaign
Launching CCST's AI Policy Initiative
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CCST relies on a network of diverse funders from philanthropy, government, our partner institutions, and individual donors to advance our mission to serve as a trusted, nonpartisan source of expert science and technology advice for California policymakers. In October 2024, CCST launched its AI Policy Funding Campaign, providing the foundation for what would become its AI Policy Initiative, including a broad vision to bring AI expertise to State policymakers where and when it’s needed most.
CCST launched its AI Policy Initiative with a vision to:
Build AI fluency for legislative staff through the Legislative Staff Academy on Artificial Intelligence.
Place senior-level AI Science Advisors in California’s executive branch to support AI governance priorities
Fund CCST Science & Technology Policy Fellows specializing in AI and data science to work directly with state leaders.
Facilitate sessions on AI policy at key events and leading national conferences.
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The CCST Legislative Staff Academy on AI is supported by a partnership with Omidyar Network, with additional collaboration from the Kapor Foundation. The CCST AI Science Residency Program is made possible by philanthropic contributions including donations from Omidyar Network and Ralston Family Fund, in direct collaboration with placement agencies.
To learn more about CCST’s commitment to responsible giving, see our Gift Acceptance Policy and Integrity Statement. For a list of major donors who have given greater than $5,000 in the past 10 years, view our Annual Report 2024-25. If you'd like to contribute to our AI Policy Initiative, visit ccst.us/donate/donate-now or email CCST Director of Strategic Initiatives Dr. Mikel Shybut to discuss giving opportunities.
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