Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use and Data Privacy Policy

Authenticity Matters

The YLAI Fellowship Program seeks to understand your experiences, ideas, and entrepreneurial vision. We value authenticity over perfection and are not looking for flawless grammar or professionally polished essays. We want to hear your voice.

Applicants may use AI tools for brainstorming, research, translation, or note-taking. However, the use of generative AI to write, draft, rewrite, or substantially revise essay responses is prohibited. This includes tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Claude, and similar AI platforms. Essay responses should reflect your own thinking, experiences, and writing. Authentic responses are valued far more highly than polished, generic AI-generated content.

If heavy use of AI is detected in any response, the score assigned to the application may be lowered.

Application Review

While IREX uses human reviewers to evaluate applications, AI tools may also be used to assist with the application review. These tools may assess characteristics in applications associated with AI-generated content, originality, and authenticity. By submitting an application, you acknowledge that AI-assisted review may be used as part of the application review process.

Privacy and Data Protection

IREX is committed to protecting applicant information. AI tools used during the review process operate within secure, organization-controlled environments and are not publicly accessible. These tools are used solely to support application review and program administration.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII) may be shared between IREX and the U.S. Department of State as necessary for the administration of the YLAI Fellowship Program. Selection Committee members will not have access to applicant PII beyond what is needed to evaluate applications. Non-identifying application data may be used for program evaluation, reporting, and improvement activities.

Applicant Certification

By submitting this application, I certify that:

  • My essay responses are my own original work.
  • I have not used generative AI to substantially write or revise my essay responses.
  • The information provided in my application is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
  • I understand that IREX may use AI-assisted tools as part of the application review process.

Remember: Originality is more important than perfection. We want to learn about you, not what AI thinks makes the perfect applicant.