AI for Education. AI for Social Impact.
A high-impact opportunity at the intersection of AI, education, product development, and social impact.
The Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative (WAIAI) is recruiting Penn undergraduate and graduate students to join the Wharton AI for Society Research Lab, a hands-on, interdisciplinary research experience where students will help design and launch WAIAI’s emerging AI for Society Programs.
This initiative is designed to extend Wharton’s expertise in AI and analytics into classrooms, communities, and other sectors where responsible AI use can generate meaningful social impact.
The Lab’s initial focus is the development of a new AI Professional Development Program for high school teachers, with future opportunities to contribute to additional society-focused initiatives.
About the Lab
The Wharton AI for Society Research Lab is a six-month research experience (March–August) that brings together students from across Penn to prototype, test, and refine AI-driven resources that support K–12 educators. Participants work in cross-disciplinary teams to explore how AI can enhance teaching, learning, and access for classroom teachers.
While the Lab’s primary project is the High School Teacher Professional Development Program, students may also contribute to early-stage explorations of additional AI for Society Programs.
What You’ll Work On
Students in the Lab contribute directly to the development of:
- AI-supported teacher learning modules
- Generative-AI lesson planning and classroom-design assistants
- Research on teacher needs, workflows, and AI adoption
- Early prototypes tested with educators and partner school districts
Your work becomes part of Wharton’s emerging portfolio of AI for Society Programs.
Application Overview
Timeline
- January: Applications open
- February: Interviews and Selections announced
- March – August: Research Lab
- September: Deliverable shared with partners
Program Details
- Format: part-time (March–May); full-time or part-time (June–August)
- Location: The Wharton campus during the spring; hybrid or remote during the summer
- Time Commitment: 10 hours per week in the spring; 10–20 hours per week in the summer
- Compensation: $20/hour for undergraduates; $25/hour for master’s and doctoral students
Who Can Apply?
We welcome students who are:
- Undergraduates, master’s students, and PhD students across Penn
- Students with interest in AI, machine learning, data science, design, K-12 teaching and learning, or education
- Individuals who are curious, collaborative, and motivated to build real solutions
- Students with familiarity in pedagogy, AI tools, or Google Classroom
Applications should include the following:
- A current CV
- A short statement describing your interest in the Lab and relevant skills
Questions?
Please email ai-analytics@wharton.upenn.edu