Palantir thinks college might be a waste, so it's hiring high-school grads

Matteo Zanini chose a fellowship at Palantir instead of attending Brown University, where he had been accepted with a full scholarship. He joined over 500 applicants in Palantir’s "Meritocracy Fellowship," based on the belief that traditional colleges are flawed.

The program offers high school graduates a pathway to work full-time without a degree. It includes seminars on U.S. history, philosophy, and leadership, coupled with practical projects.

Zanini appreciated the hands-on experience, noting, “What company puts people on real projects on their third day?” The program aims to assess fellows for potential full-time roles at Palantir, shaping a new approach to workforce training.