Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in AI

The APF AI Fellowship is a six-eight-week professional development and mentorship program designed to introduce Pakistani American students and early-career professionals to the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence.

Through expert instruction, hands-on projects, and mentorship from industry leaders, fellows gain exposure to how AI is transforming industries including healthcare, finance, government, and technology. The program equips participants with both technical awareness and strategic understanding of AI systems, governance, and real-world implementation.

Participants will explore practical AI tools, understand responsible AI frameworks, and complete a final capstone project demonstrating how AI can be applied to real societal or business challenges.

The fellowship reflects APF’s mission to empower the next generation of professionals to lead and shape the future of technology and innovation in the United States. The APF AI Fellowship leverages this expertise to introduce Pakistani American students and young professionals to the practical realities of artificial intelligence leadership, governance, and implementation in modern organizations

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Deadline for applications: April 30th, 11:59 EST

This fellowship is only open to U.S based applicants who are U.S citizens or permanent residents.

Program Leadership

Shabir Mustehsan

Head of AI Center of Excellence & thought Leader | Founder, Seriously Agile

Shabir Mustehsan is a technology executive and AI transformation leader who leads enterprise AI initiatives across one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States. He leads the AI Center of Excellence, helping scale artificial intelligence capabilities across more than 200 technology teams while embedding responsible AI governance into enterprise delivery.

His work focuses on integrating generative AI into product development, engineering workflows, and enterprise platforms while ensuring strong oversight through international standards such as ISO 42001 AI Management Systems.

Beyond corporate leadership, Shabir is the founder of Seriously Agile, where he teaches professionals how to build AI strategies, establish AI Centers of Excellence, and operationalize responsible AI across organizations. Through his education programs and mentorship initiatives, he has trained hundreds of professionals in artificial intelligence, agile leadership, and technology innovation.

Through the APF AI Fellowship, Shabir aims to introduce students to the real world of AI leadership, governance, and innovation, helping the next generation participate in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.


Fellowship Structure

  • Duration: 6-8 weeks (virtual)

  • Tentative Start: Summer 2026

  • Format: Weekly learning sessions, mentorship discussions, and capstone development

  • Stipend: $500

  • Application Deadline: April 30th

  • APF will review applications and interview shortlisted candidates, final selections will be made by the fellowship leadership team.

The fellowship runs for 6-8 weeks and combines learning sessions, mentorship, and a final

capstone project.

Program Components

1.     Weekly AI Learning Sessions
Industry experts introduce core AI concepts, emerging trends, and real-world applications across industries.

2.     Mentorship from AI Leaders
Fellows engage with professionals working in artificial intelligence, data science, product management, and technology strategy.

3.     Hands On AI Assignments
Participants gain exposure to AI tools and frameworks through guided exercises and real-world examples.

4.     AI Capstone Project
Each fellow develops a project demonstrating how AI can solve a practical challenge in business, government, or society.

Professional Development
Sessions include career guidance on entering AI related roles such as product management, AI governance, machine learning engineering, and data strategy.

 

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is designed for:

  • Undergraduate/graduate students & early career professionals (less than 2 years of experience out of college)

  • Early career professionals interested in AI and emerging technologies

  • Individuals interested in careers in technology, policy, consulting, or entrepreneurship

  • Participants who want to explore how AI will shape the future of industries and society

  • Technical experience is helpful but not required. Curiosity, commitment, and willingness to learn are the most important qualifications.

Eligibility Requirements

  • U.S. citizen or U.S. permanent resident

  • Currently residing in the United States

  • A junior, senior, graduate student, or young professional less than 2 years of experience

  • Related coursework or experience to AI fields

Fellowship Outcomes

By the end of the program, fellows will:

  • Understand how artificial intelligence is transforming major industries

  • Gain exposure to AI governance, ethics, and responsible AI frameworks

  • Learn how organizations structure AI teams and innovation programs

  • Develop a capstone project demonstrating an applied AI use case

  • Build relationships with mentors and peers in the AI ecosystem

Program Impact

Artificial intelligence will shape the global economy over the next decade. The APF AI Fellowship ensures that the next generation fellows are prepared to lead in this transformation.

By connecting students with industry leaders and real-world applications of AI, the program strengthens the community’s presence in technology, policy, and entrepreneurship.

 

Apply to the Fellowship

Applications Open from April 1st – April 30th

Overall Impact on the Pakistani American Community

Short Term Impact

  • Early AI literacy for high potential young leaders

  • Portfolio ready AI projects

  • Direct exposure to industry practitioners

Long Term Impact

  • Stronger pipeline into AI, technology, policy, and entrepreneurship

  • APF positioned at the forefront of emerging technology education

  • Creation of an alumni network of AI trained emerging leaders

  • Foundation for future tracks such as AI and Policy, AI and Startups, and AI and Public Service

Artificial intelligence will define the next twenty years of economic and global leadership.

This fellowship ensures Pakistani Americans are not observers of that future but builders of it.