AI is shaping the future, but will it serve real human needs? Too often, AI solutions are built without a deep understanding of the people they affect, leading to unintended consequences and missed opportunities for meaningful impact.
In this program, the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI) and the Hasso Plattner Institute for Design (d.school) join forces to offer a highly engaging educational experience integrating human-centered AI development with human-centered design, equipping social sector leaders with the tools to design AI-driven solutions that are both innovative and responsible.
We aim to demystify AI and improve professionals’ understanding of these tools and the underlying data; support practitioners with scoping AI projects, igniting their AI journey and building a community of leaders to share best practices.
Through a hands-on, immersive experience, participants will:
- Apply Human-Centered Design to a real-world challenge – Learn how to ground interventions in real human needs, expand possibilities, and incorporate rapid prototyping and iterative testing, ensuring solutions are continuously refined and improved ensuring solutions are impactful and inclusive.
- Navigate AI’s Social & Ethical Implications – Explore frameworks for fairness, accountability, and transparency, ensuring AI aligns with ethical and societal goals.
- Bridge Disciplines & Perspectives – Work at the intersection of technology, design, and social impact, drawing insights from AI policies and human-centered research.
- Learn through case studies from researchers and social sector practitioners applying AI interventions in their fields, specifically in education, health care and sustainability.
This workshop brings together leading expertise from Stanford HAI and Stanford d.school, offering a rare opportunity to develop AI solutions that are not just technologically advanced, but deeply human. This hands-on experience empowers leaders to shape AI’s future with intention, responsibility, and human dignity at its core.
This two and a half day program will be hosted on the Stanford campus and involve discussions led by Stanford’s top AI scholars and expert field practitioners, a facilitated workshop, and community-building activities. The program will offer certificates of completion.
AUDIENCE
- Senior professionals in the social sector (nonprofits, philanthropy, local and state government entities, and community-based organizations)
- Organizations interested in integrating AI into their mission, policy recommendations, programmatic initiatives, and overall impact
- Leadership teams looking to build new interventions inspired by cutting-edge research and grounded in their organizations' values and community needs
PROGRAM DETAILS
Cost: $3,950
*Early bird discount if application received before July 17th: $3,450
Date: October 7-9, 2026
Time commitment: 2.5 days in person at Stanford University
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the application form below. Applicants will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis until seats are filled. Accepted candidates will be informed on a rolling basis and receive the registration link once accepted. To secure their place in the program, accepted applicants must submit payment within two weeks of notification.
Application link: https://stanforduniversity.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a4CwIzGOnYAcZLw
QUESTIONS
For questions about the application process, payment, or scholarship opportunities, please contact: hai-education@stanford.edu
