Claude Corps: Anthropic pays young people $85,000 to learn AI

AI company Anthropic, which is behind the chatbot Claude, has launched the Claude Corps program. The company is funding it with an initial investment of $150 million, about DKK 1 billion.

The idea is to hire young people as "fellows" at charitable organizations in the US. There, they will learn to use AI and help the organizations use the technology in their work.

Who can take part?

The program starts with 100 participants and is set to grow to 1,000 spread across up to 400 organizations. You must be at least 18 years old and have less than two years of work experience. A degree is not required.

Applicants must first have completed two online courses from Anthropic, "AI Fluency" and "Claude 101".

Salary and support

Participants receive an annual salary of $85,000 plus benefits. The host organizations also receive $10,000 each to get started with AI. Participants get access to Claude and Anthropic's tools.

The organization CodePath is the employer and is responsible for the training. Social Finance manages the money and evaluates the results.

When does it start?

The first cohort begins on October 19, 2026. New cohorts open in January and August 2027.

Social Finance calls the program a "proof of concept". That means a test showing that people can be taught to use AI in a deliberate and structured way, and that the model can be scaled up.

Surprised organizations

According to The NonProfit Times, several leaders in the charity sector's IT departments were surprised by the announcement. Some did know, however, that a program was on the way.

What does it mean for Danes?

For now, the program only applies in the US. It does show, however, that AI companies themselves are getting into training young people, including those without much schooling. It is worth following in case similar initiatives come to Europe.