Rochester AI Safety Collective

AI Alignment 101

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Master the fundamentals of technical AI alignment through this comprehensive introduction. This completely free 8-week course will give you a solid foundation in key alignment concepts and clear pathways for your career in AI safety.

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Foundation Course

8 Weeks • Beginner-Friendly • Small Cohorts
This comprehensive introduction to technical AI alignment provides a solid foundation in key concepts while offering clear guidance for career paths in AI safety. Perfect for students, researchers, and professionals looking to enter the field.

What You’ll Learn

Our curriculum, built on AI Safety Fundamentals, covers:

Machine Learning Foundations Core concepts and modern techniques essential for understanding AI systems
Artificial General Intelligence Capabilities, timelines, and implications for society
Alignment Challenges Reward misspecification and goal misgeneralization
Safety Techniques Scalable oversight and interpretability methods
Theoretical Foundations Agent foundations and formal approaches to safety
Career Guidance Concrete paths and opportunities in technical AI alignment

Program Structure

Duration 8 weeks total
(6 weeks study + 2 weeks capstone)
Format Small cohorts of ~5 participants
with dedicated facilitators
Time Commitment 2-3 hours per week
(readings + group discussion)
Capstone Project Research whitepaper
with publication potential

Who Should Apply

  • Students in computer science, mathematics, philosophy, or related fields
  • Researchers looking to pivot into AI safety
  • Professionals in tech wanting to contribute to alignment work
  • Policy makers seeking technical understanding of AI risks
  • Anyone curious about the future of AI and how to make it safe

Next Steps After Completion

📋 Apply for AI Alignment 101

Next cohort starts: October 2025 • Application deadline: September 15, 2025

1

Complete Application

Submit our brief application form with your background and motivation

2

Interview (Optional)

15-minute conversation to ensure good program fit

3

Cohort Assignment

Get matched with your small group and facilitator

4

Begin Program

Start your journey in AI safety with expert guidance

Apply Now →

Program Schedule

2025 Cohorts January, April, July, October
Application Deadlines 2 weeks before each start date
Response Time 1 week after application

Questions?

Contact us at contact@rocaisc.org or schedule a call with our admissions team.

This program is offered at no cost as part of our commitment to democratizing AI safety education.