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).

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

The next round of programs will happen from 30th December - 23rd February 2025. Apply here by Sunday, December 8th!. 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.

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, December 1th!! 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

24 February - 20 April 2025

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.

Introductory EA Program

30 December - 23 February 2025

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

30 December - 23 February 2025

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

How to (actually) change the world

01 January - 31 December 2024

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

תכנית המבוא לאלטרואיזם אפקטיבי

04 November - 29 December 2024

תוכנית זו מיועדת לישראלים המחפשים להכיר את הרעיונות שמאחורי אלטרואיזם אפקטיבי והכלים שהיא מציעה לעשייה חברתית משמעותית, ולמי שרוצה ולדון על ההשלכות האישיות והמעשיות של הרעיונות על בחירת קריירה בהקשר קבוצתי. התוכנית מבוססת על קריאה אישית ודיונים שבועיים בקבוצות קטנות, בעברית או באנגלית.

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.

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!

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

EA Germany Intro Program

02 December - 26 January 2025

This program is similar to our standard introductory course, but is targeted towards individuals in Germany who are new to effective altruism. It is offered in either German or English by Effektiver Altruismus Deutschland.

Career Planning Program

14 October - 24 November 2024

If you're seeking a rewarding and impactful career but feeling unsure about the next steps, our 6 week program is designed to help you make a plan!