Building on a Successful Pilot, CCST Launches Annual Legislative Staff Academy on AI

October 1, 2026 | CCST Newsroom

Tanny Chavez Esparza, Computational Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, speaks to an audience of legislative staff at a podium in a room in the Legislative Building of the California State Capitol. — Tanny Chavez Esparza, Computational Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, presents to legislative staff on the topic of General AI and Generative AI as part of CCST’s Legislative Staff Academy on AI.

In September, CCST launched its Legislative Staff Academy on Artificial Intelligence in Sacramento, bringing California legislative staff and AI experts together for weekly sessions on AI’s technical foundations, use in government systems, and societal impacts. The sessions are hosted by CCST Senior Science Officer Héctor Corzo, a specialist in AI, data privacy, and computational hardware technologies.

Here’s a look back at the first three sessions.

Cohort Orientation Day (Sep. 9)

Cohort members kicked off the Academy with opening remarks from CCST leadership and a “setting the stage” presentation outlining the program ahead, capped off with an icebreaker and networking lunch.

CCST Senior Science Officer Héctor Corzo, PhD, speaks at the front of the room in a Legislative Office Building. — CCST Senior Science Officer Héctor Corzo, PhD.

CCST Director of Science Eric Chu, PhD, speaking into a microphone in the Legislative Office Building. — CCST Director of Science Eric Chu, PhD.

CCST Director of Strategic Initiatives Mikel Shybut, PhD, speaking into a microphone in the Legislative Office Building. — CCST Director of Strategic Initiatives Mikel Shybut, PhD.

CCST launched the AI Academy to help legislative staff navigate the technical, ethical, and policy questions AI keeps raising. It’s a first for us — we’ve always convened experts for the Legislature, but AI made clear a single briefing wasn’t enough. This programming builds on what we learned in that launch.

– Mikel Shybut, Director of Strategic Initiatives, CCST

General AI and Generative AI (Sep. 16)

A foundational overview of core AI concepts and the rapid rise of generative AI, establishing a shared technical baseline for the sessions ahead.

Presenters from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory:

Jonathan Carter, Associate Laboratory Director for Computing Sciences

Tanny Chavez Esparza, Computational Research Scientist

Jonathan Carter (Associate Laboratory Director for Computing Sciences, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory) speaks to legislative staff at the AI Academy.

Tanny Chavez Esparza, Computational Research Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, speaks to legislative staff at the AI Academy.

Panelists speak to legislative staff at the AI Academy.

Physical AI (Sep. 23)

An exploration of Physical AI – the integration of intelligent systems into robotics and automated platforms – and its broader technological and societal implications.

Presenters

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory:

Aldair Ernesto Gongora, Staff Scientist, Analytics for Advanced Manufacturing Group

Caspar Donnison, Environmental Economist

Brian Giera, Associate Program Director, Data Science, AI, & Manufacturing

SAP:

Sachin Kachhawaha, Head of Product Growth and Business Development

Looking ahead

Upcoming sessions will explore:

AI, Law, and Justice
Child Safety and Protection
AI and Labor
AI and Education
AI and Food Production

Want to learn more about future academy sessions? Sign up for email alerts at ccst.us/artificial-intelligence/academy/register or email [email protected].

About CCST’s AI Policy Initiative
CCST’s AI Policy Initiative provides nonpartisan, technical insights to support California’s leadership in evidence-based AI governance. From ensuring the safety of AI systems to addressing their societal impacts, this initiative is poised to be a critical and timely resource for our state’s policymakers as they step up to the challenge of nation-leading action. Flagship programs include CCST’s AI Science Residency Program and CCST’s Legislative Staff Academy on AI.

About CCST
The California Council on Science and Technology is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that serves as a trusted source of expert science and technology advice for California policymakers—powered by a world-class partner network. CCST was established via a unanimous vote of the California State Legislature in 1988 to make California’s policies stronger with science and technology.