The Public Interest Technology University Network (PIT-UN)

PIT-UN is a collaboration among dozens of higher education institutions committed to building the field of public interest technology by growing a new generation of civic-minded technologists and digitally fluent policy leaders.

As a PIT-UN member, the University of Washington commits to launching or strengthening initiatives on campus that:

• Support curriculum development and faculty hiring needed to provide students with interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary education, so they can critically assess the implications of new technologies and develop technologies in service of the public good.
• Develop experiential learning opportunities, such as clinics, internships, and fellowships at the intersection of technology and public interest.
• Find new ways to encourage and support graduates who pursue careers in public interest technology, recognizing that financial considerations and debt pose barriers to entering the field.
• Provide faculty with the infrastructure, support, and resources to build this nascent area of inquiry and training.
• Share institutional data that allows the network to assess the effectiveness of efforts to develop the field of public interest technology.

The University of Washington’s PIT-UN effort is led by the Information School, with collaboration from the School of Law, the Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, and the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance. The UW network is engaging researchers and faculty from other departments and schools that have activities, interests and expertise that enrich the university’s PIT-UN activities.