Northwestern’s School of Education and Social Policy received a $1 million gift from Kapor Foundation create the Center for Technology, Policy and Opportunity. The center will lead a series of initiatives, starting with a new interdisciplinary graduate program designed to address challenges at the intersection of technology, society and policy.
Launching in fall 2025, the cutting-edge interdisciplinary graduate program, the Master of Science in Technology, People, and Policy (MTePP), is designed to equip leaders with the skills needed to navigate the complex intersections of technology , ethics and politics, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, environmental sustainability and human development.
“This interdisciplinary program will prepare professionals capable of addressing the challenges and opportunities in education, policy, legislation and business – from job displacement to AI-related ethical dilemmas to a host of other concerns,” said Bryan McKinley Jones Brayboydean of the School of Education and Social Policy and professor Carlos Montezuma.
The master’s program is the first in a series of initiatives that will be supported by the new center. Building on work related to educational ecosystems carried out by Nicole PinkardAlice Hamilton Professor of Education and Social Policy, the center will offer certificates and micro-credentials to high school and community college students as well as undergraduate and graduate students.
The new center’s work will extend beyond traditional graduate education by creating intentional pathways for students at different stages of their academic and professional journeys, including:
- High school electives: Programming for Chicago area high schools and opportunities for students to receive certificates from Northwestern University, introducing students to culturally relevant computer science, technology ethics, and technology policy principles.
- Undergraduate micro-credentials: Scalable degrees that prepare students at Northwest and partner institutions, including community colleges, for careers in technology policy.
- Postgraduate certificates and diplomas: Flexible, interdisciplinary graduate programs that align with cutting-edge research and policy needs, including AI and emerging technologies.
These offers will draw on the resources of the Kapor Foundation Fair technology policy And Culturally Responsive Computer Education frameworks, ensuring a focus on racial justice and reducing inequities in the technology landscape.
“The rapid expansion of technology is transforming every aspect of our society, from how we work to how we connect and govern,” said Dr. Allison Scott, CEO of the Kapor Foundation. “Centers like Northwestern’s are critical to ensuring this transformation is guided by ethical principles, thoughtful policy, and a commitment to equity.” By equipping leaders with the tools to navigate these complexities, we can ensure that technological progress benefits everyone, not just a privileged few.
The flexible hybrid master’s program can be completed in one year, or students can enroll part-time and complete the program in two years. Most courses will be offered in a hybrid-synchronous format and can be taken in person or virtually, although the orientation and capstone symposium require in-person participation.
“New technologies bring both enormous opportunities and significant challenges,” said Sepehr Vakilassociate professor of learning sciences and educational director of the new center. “These graduates will combine technical skills with an understanding of people, ethics and policy, making them essential in helping governments, communities, schools and businesses focus on the well-being of people so that they adapt to the challenges of AI and technological transformation in general.
Master’s applications are currently open, with the first cohort of students beginning their studies in fall 2025.