Virtual Programs

EA Virtual Programs are opportunities for anyone around the world to engage intensively with the ideas of effective altruism through readings, videos, podcasts, exercises, and weekly small-group discussions.

Each program lasts 8 weeks, and you’ll have weekly 1.5 hour discussions with a cohort of 3-5 participants and one facilitator. Before attending each discussion, you’ll spend roughly 2 hours completing a set of readings (and sometimes a brief written exercise).

Participants that complete the program and score highly on our closing examination will receive a certificate of completion.

Minors are not permitted to join these programs at this stage.

The next round of programs will happen from October 16th to December 10th. Apply here by Sunday, September 24th!. Note: the Precipice Reading Group only runs every three months - so it's dates might be different! Check on the Precipice program page for more details.

Each round's deadline is on the last or second-last Sunday of every month, so you can apply whenever is best for your schedule.

If you have participated in any EA fellowships, programs, or reading groups before, and are looking for ways to contribute to the community, please apply to be a facilitator by Sunday, September 17th! Getting more great facilitators allows us to accept more people into our programs. You’re also likely to reinforce what you learned previously by engaging further with familiar content.

To stay up to date on our programming, join the EA Virtual Programs mailing list.

Please send any questions or feedback to virtualprograms@effectivealtruism.org.

Open Programs

The Precipice Reading Group

11 December - 04 February 2024

In this reading group, you will read and engage in structured discussions of Toby Ord’s The Precipice, a book about existential risks and safeguarding the future of humanity.

Pilot Career Planning Program

11 September - 15 October 2023

If you're seeking a rewarding and impactful career but feeling unsure about the next steps, our free weekly program is designed to help you make a plan!

Introductory EA Program

16 October - 10 December 2023

This program is ideal for those new to effective altruism, or for those who have some familiarity, but want to explore the core ideas in a structured way.

In-Depth EA Program

16 October - 10 December 2023

This program is ideal for graduates of the introductory program or those with a similar level of experience, who want to dive deeper into more complex EA ideas and examine their key uncertainties about how to best improve the world.

Other Programs We Recommend

Pilot Biosecurity Book Club

09 October - 04 December 2023

If you are interested in biosecurity or public policy, or want to test your fit in these areas, join us to read and discuss the book Biosecurity Dilemmas and work on a project with your peers!

How to (actually) change the world

08 July - 08 July 2023

Learn the foundations of effective altruism, in 5- to 10- minute interactive lessons. A free, online course to learn research-backed, actionable ideas to help you make a big difference in the world.

Past Programs

US Policy Careers Speaker Series

14 July - 22 August 2022

This speaker series aims to help people learn about what various policy jobs in Washington, DC, are like (e.g., Congress, executive branch, think tanks), how they can get these jobs, and how to evaluate their fit as well as prepare for a US policy career.

Legal Topics in Effective Altruism

13 March - 07 May 2023

A survey of legal ideas and research topics related to key EA concepts and cause areas.

Introduction to Animal Advocacy Online Course

19 September - 28 November 2022

This online course will walk you through the key points to helping animals through your career. You will learn about the animal advocacy community and the diverse and exciting career opportunities available.

Intro to ML Safety (Spring 2023)

20 February - 21 April 2023

A course that aims to introduce students with a deep learning background to empirical AI Safety research

Alternative Protein Fundamentals Program

31 January - 27 March 2022

In this program, you’ll explore the alternative protein field in detail, either in technical research, or in policy and entrepreneurship. This program is ideal for those who are already familiar with the core ideas of effective altruism and are interested to learn more about this specific field.

AGI Safety Fundamentals Program

01 January - 31 March 2022

In this program, you’ll explore the field of AI safety in detail, with a focus on your choice of AI alignment or AI governance. This program is ideal for those who are already familiar with the core ideas of effective altruism and are interested to learn more about the AI safety cause area.