Event Recap: AV Leadership Academy Certificate Program

FEBRUARY – MARCH 2026


In February 2026, PAVE partnered with CTA and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation to launch the AV Leadership Academy, a certificate program designed to equip Capitol Hill and U.S. DOT staff with a foundational understanding of AV technology and policy. Over a series of five sessions, participants gained insights into how AVs work, the current regulatory landscape, safety considerations, and the potential economic and societal impacts of widespread deployment.

A cohort of 20 Capitol Hill and DOT staff members enrolled in the inaugural program. The participants connected with top industry leaders, gained up-to-date insights on AV technology, and had the opportunity to experience it firsthand. Upon completion of the program, participants received a certificate in AV Leadership.

The AV Leadership Academy aimed to support more informed policymaking by providing nonpartisan education and opportunities for direct engagement with industry leaders and technical experts. Each of the five sessions covered a different area of the AV ecosystem:

  1. Setting the stage: AVs + the journey from concept to reality
  2. The science of safety: How AV technology works, from simulation to the street
  3. Rules of the road: Policy, regulation, and economic opportunity in the AV era
  4. Real-world AV applications: Scaling and the path to market
  5. Prepared and protected: Addressing safety, privacy, and accessibility challenges

PAVE is proud to support opportunities for Hill and US DOT staff to gain a deeper understanding of AV technology and develop relationships with industry experts. For a list of upcoming PAVE events, click here.