• Alumnae in Office
• Making News
• How to Apply
• Training Schedule
• Supporting Oval Office
• Oval Office Internship

How to Apply

NOTE: The 2013-2014 application will be available in September 2013.

2012-2013 Application

Applications must be received by 9am on Thursday, September 27, 2012. Students will be notified of their admittance by Friday, October 12, 2012. If you have any questions, please contact Danielle Boudrow. Please submit online and have recommendations addressed to the "Oval Office Selection Committee" and emailed to: danielle_boudrow@harvard.edu or mailed to Danielle Boudrow, Women and Public Policy Program, Mailbox 100, 79 JKF Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Frequently Asked Questions

About the program

Through the From Harvard Square to the Oval Office ('Oval Office') program, students learn how to run for office; be the candidate and survive an election; meet and bond with a select cohort of exceptional women; speak with elected women about their experiences running for and holding office.

When did the program begin?

Victoria Budson, Executive Director of the Women and Public Policy Program, created the Oval Office program in 2004.

How many students have completed the program?

We have had eight Oval Office cohorts, with nearly 350 alumni.

How will the program be structured?

Programming will run for two academic semesters, with a select cohort of students starting each fall and ending in the spring. There are ten skills-training sessions, approximately two a month, beginning in October and ending in May. In addition, there are mentoring sessions with prominent figures in political life and networking events with current cohort members and Oval Office alumnae.

Is the program partisan?

No, Oval Office is a non-partisan initiative. We invite speakers and trainers from across the political spectrum.

Are there internship opportunities?

Yes, participating students may apply for financial support for a summer internship, giving them the chance to utilize acquired skills in a real-world political setting. The internship is another tool to prepare students for life as a candidate and elected official, enabling them to learn about navigating electoral politics first hand.

Are there networking opportunities?

Yes, students will have the opportunity to advance their political careers by connecting with elected officials, campaign professionals and Oval Office alumnae at networking events, such as dinners and movie nights throughout the year. We also encourage students to remain active in the Oval Office network through Facebook.

Who is eligible?

WAPPP encourages all highly motivated Harvard University students currently enrolled in a graduate program to apply.

Are international students eligible?

Yes, international students are welcome to apply. We have had Oval Office alumnae from Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and the United Kingdom.

What is the attendance policy?

There are 9 skills-training sessions a year. Students must attend 7 out of 9 sessions. If you are unable to attend one session, you must make arrangements in advance with Danielle to make-up the session by viewing the dvd of the session.

How will students be selected?

A committee will review students' applications and select participants. Students will receive notification of the committee's decision via email.

What application materials are required?

Students should submit an application online at: https://wappp.wufoo.com/forms/from-harvard-square-to-the-oval-office-application/. The application contains:

1. Your full name, email address, degree program, year of graduation, address
2. A copy of your curriculum vitae or résumé
3. An essay of not more than 750 words on: Why do you want to run for public office and how do you believe the Oval Office program will contribute to your goals?
4. A second essay of not more than 500 words illustrating your potential for public leadership and commitment to public service.
5. One letter of recommendation in hard copy or via email from a person (i.e. professor or former employer) who can speak to your leadership abilities.