• External Resources
• Harvard Kennedy School Resources
• Financial Need-Based Aid
• Harvard University Resources
• Traveling Fellowships for Current Students

Harvard Kennedy School Resources

Fellowships and Scholarships Available for Degree Program Students

David M. Rubenstein Fellowship

Fellowship to support students in the joint program offered through the Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS).

John Berger Fellowship

This partial tuition fellowship supports MPP students who plan to work in international institutions or US institutions that work within areas of international affairs.

Charles Edison Fund Fellowship

This partial tuition fellowship was established by the Charles Edison Fund in 1994 to assist the Harvard Kennedy School in extending its scope and impact of the Science, Technology and Public Policy Program of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. The fellowship is awarded to students involved in research projects in the Science, Technology and Public Policy Program.

Lewis Freedman Scholarship for Broadcast Journalism/Frederick Roy Martin Scholarship

The partial tution Lewis Freedman Scholarship was established in 1993 by residuary bequest of Lewis Freedman COL ’46 to encourage journalists to expand and deepen their knowledge of public policy issues. The Frederick Roy Martin Scholarship was established in 1995 through the estate of Nancy Martin. The income from these two endowed funds supports degree program students in journalism or broadcast journalism.  For this scholarship, you will need to submit a sample of your prior journalistic experience.

Native American Public Service Fellowships (NAPSF)

The full tuitin and possible stipend Native American Public Service Fellowship (NAPSF) is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated commitment to matters of concern to Native American tribes, including but not limited to tribal self-governance and policy. The Fellowship will require the recipient to be employed for a minimum of three years in public service directly benefiting Native Americans, immediately following completion of the Harvard Kennedy School degree. If the three-year commitment is not met, recipients repay the tuition portion of the Fellowship.  Preference is given to Native American candidates. Applications include proof of tribal enrollment (if applicable), along with the required essay and resume.

Peace Corps Public Service Fellowship (PCPSF)

The Public Service Fellowship program was established in 1996 to recognize outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential and is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in government or non-profit organizations. The full tuition fellowship is awarded to a recent Peace Corps alumnus who exemplifies the Peace Corps mission.  As a demonstration of his/her commitment to public service, the successful applicant must be professionally employed in the public sector, broadly defined, for three years upon graduation. If the three-year commitment is not met, recipients must repay the fellowship.

Pforzheimer Foundation Nonprofit Fellowship

The Pforzheimer Foundation Nonprofit Fellowship is awarded to a degree program student who has experience working in nonprofit organizations or who has selected to concentrate in nonprofit management while studying at the Harvard Kennedy School.

Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) Public Service Fellowship (PPLCPSF)

The Public Service Fellowship program was established in 1996 to recognize outstanding academic achievement and leadership potential and is designed to encourage students to pursue careers in government or non-profit organizations. The full tuition fellowship will be awarded to a recent Public Policy Leadership Conference (PPLC) alumnus who exemplifies the PPLC mission. As a demonstration of his/her commitment to public service, the successful applicant must be professionally employed in the public sector, broadly defined, for three years upon graduation. If the three-year commitment is not met, recipients must repay the fellowship.

Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship

The Scott and Isabelle Black Fellowship supports students in two-year degree programs that pursue studies focused on the causes, consequences, and remedies for problems that afflict the needy and who intend to pursue careers in government and nonprofit organizations topositively address these issues. Scott and Isabelle Black Fellows will focus their studies on areas such as homelessness, poverty, child and family welfare, health and mental health, disabilities and addictions, criminal justice, education, employment training, and aging.

Sumner Feldberg Fellowship

The Sumner Feldberg Fellowship is awarded to students who have financial need, have demonstrated a commitment to public service, and exhibit exceptional potential for leadership within the field.

Teach for America Public Service Fellowship (TFAPSF)

In recognition of extraordinary commitment to expand educational opportunities, Harvard Kennedy School has established the Teach For America Public Service Fellowship (TFAPSF). The full tuition fellowship is awarded to a recent Teach For America (TFA) alumnus who exemplifies the TFA mission. As a demonstration of his/her commitment to public service, the successful applicant must be professionally employed in the public sector, broadly defined, for three years upon graduation. If the three-year commitment is not met, recipients must repay the fellowship.

Thomas J. Healey Fellowship

This fellowship supports joint Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) students with experience and commitment to government service who seek to bring enlightened management, leadership and analytical rigor to solving complex societal problems.

William A. Starr Innovations Fellowship

The William A. Starr Innovations Fellowship was established to support students who are working to promote innovative solutions and imaginative thinking as leaders in journalism and public service. The fellowship is awarded to a journalist in a degree program who demonstrates original, non-traditional thinking in policy analysis and public service.

William Hodson, Jr. Fellowship

The William Hodson, Jr. Fellowship was established in 1955 to assist staff members of the United Nations or other public international agencies.

Fellowships and Scholarships Available for MC/MPA Students Only

Gertrude Manley Fellowship

The partial tuition Gertrude Manley Fellowship was established in 1979 by alumni and friends of Gertrude Manley, former registrar of the Harvard Kennedy School who retired in 1975 after 25 years of service. The Fellowship is awarded to students who show outstanding promise as managers and leaders. This fellowship also requires that the recipient demonstrate financial need.

Jerome L. Rappaport Sr./Boston Urban Fellowship

The Jerome L. Rappaport Sr./Boston Urban Fellowship is for elected officials in the greater Boston area, as defined by the counties of Suffolk, Middlesex, Norfolk, Essex, Franklin, Plymouth and Bristol, and non-elected officials serving in the City of Boston. Candidates should demonstrate an interest in urban and metropolitan issues, as well as a capacity for leadership and a continuing commitment to contribute to the well being of the greater Boston Area.

New York City Fire Fighters, Police and Emergency Workers Public Service Fellowship

The New York City Fire Fighters, Police and Emergency Workers Public Service Fellowship honors the front line public service workers who were killed as the result of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and collapse of the World Trade Center towers and whose heroic efforts saved the lives of thousands on this tragic day.  In addition, this fellowship honors all of the thousands of emergency and public safety personnel who risk their lives daily to protect the American public. A preference will be given to applicants working in the City of New York.

Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology and Public Policy

The partial tuition Robert C. Seamans, Jr. Fellowship in Science, Technology and Public Policy was established in 1985 by Robert C. Seamans, Jr., former Dean of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The fellowship is for students who demonstrate talent in research or management of issues at the intersection of technology and public policy, and a commitment for future leadership in these areas.

Roy and Lila Ash Fellowship in Democracy

The Roy and Lila Ash Fellowship in Democracy is awarded to a student with financial need. Candidates should demonstrate: 1) a strong interest in the overarching questions of democratic governance, including the concepts, principles and relevant conditions that form the foundation of a democracy; 2) a capacity for leadership; 3) a commitment to research and inquiry on effective and innovative governance in a democracy that analyzes the continual adaptation of scope, institutions, and processes to meet ever changing circumstances and needs in the US and in countries around the world; and 4) a dedication to work for improvements that advance social justice and serve citizens of all countries and nationalities. Fellowship recipients will be invited to join the Ash Institute in its student activities. This fellowship is open to MC/MPA, including Mason Fellows, and will cover full tuition for the academic year only; it does not cover the Mid-Career Summer Program or Mason Fellows Seminar tuition.

Governor Robert F. Bradford Fellowship for Excellence in Public Administration

The Governor Robert F. Bradford Fellowship for Excellence in Public Administration is for public leaders working in the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Note: application procedures for this program are handled by the Human Resources Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Commonwealth Fund/Harvard University Fellowship in Minority Health Policy

This fellowship was established in 1995 through the support of The Commonwealth Fund and collaboration between Harvard Medical School, Harvard School of Public health, and the Kennedy School of Government. The program prepares physicians for leadership positions in minority health policy and public health through a one-year, full-time program of rigorous academic training, which leads to a master’s degree in public health or in public administration for physicians who already have an MPH degree. The fellowship includes courses, seminar series, leadership forums, site visits, national conferences, shadowing of public health leaders, and a practicum. It is expected that the fellowship will support the development of a cadre of leaders in minority health who are well-trained academically and professionally in public health, health policy, health management, and clinical medicine, and who are committed to pursuing careers in public service. For more details, please visit The Commonweath Fund for more information.

HKS Research Center Funding Resources

Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs -- Harvard Environmental Economics Program Fellowship

Fellowship established to support a student experienced in conducting economic analysis of environmental or natural resource policy from within government, a university, think tank, consulting firm, or other organization in the United States or abroad. Consideration will also be given to candidates working on any aspect of environment or natural resource policy—or wishing to make a transition into doing so.

Taubman Center Fellowship

The Kennedy School’s Taubman Center for State and Local Government is offering two-year fellowships to MPP students who have:

• A proven record of academic success
• Demonstrated potential for civic leadership
• A commitment to state and local issues in the United States or abroad.

Recipients are expected to write their Policy Analysis Exercise (PAE) for a public or non-profit entity focused on local, metropolitan, or state issues. Fellows are welcome to engage, as much as possible, in the activities of the Taubman Center throughout the term of the fellowship. In addition, after graduation, recipients are strongly encouraged to spend time working for a public or non-profit entity primarily focused on issues or services at the local, metropolitan, or state level.

Roy and Lila Ash Fellowship in Democracy

Fellowship to support a student with financial need, who also demonstrates a strong interest in the questions of democratic governance, a capacity for leadership; commitment to research and inquiry on effective and innovative governance; and a dedication to work for improvements that advance social justice and serve citizens of all countries and nationalities.

Belfer Center Fellowship for Science & International Affairs

Fellowship to support students with a strong interest in the International and Global Affairs policy area of concentration (PAC).

Center for Public Leadership —The Gleitsman Leadership Fellowship

The Gleitsman Grant was funded through a gift from the estate of renowned philanthropist Alan L. Gleitsman and recognizes students for their background or potential as activists.

Center for Public Leadership — George Fellowship

The George Fellowship supports students in the concurrent program offered through the Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) with a $10,000 stipend. Students enrolled at either school during the fellowship year are eligible for consideration.

Shorenstein Center Scholarship in Press and Politics

Scholarship to support a student who has a proven interest in issues concerning the field of press, politics and public policy. As a demonstration of their commitment, successful applicants should be professionally employed in the field (as a journalist or in the field of communication for a non-profit, government agency, or political entity) for three years after graduation.

Mossavar-Rahmani Center for Business and Government

Fellowship Fellowship to support those students who demonstrate a strong background and interest in public policy at the nexus of business and government, including regulation, corporate social responsibility, public-private partnerships and other areas highlighted on the center’s website.

Carr Center Fellowship in Human Rights Policy

The Carr Center for Human Rights is offering two-year fellowships to a HKS student who has demonstrated a strong background and commitment to human rights policy. Fellows are welcome to engage, as much as possible, in the activities of the Carr Center throughout the term of the fellowship.

Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations -- Mid-Career Fellowships

The Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations is pleased to offer annual Mid-Career Fellowships to Harvard Kennedy School students in the Mid-Career Masters in Public Administration degree program. The Fellowships provide an opportunity to join the Hauser community of faculty, researchers, and staff, and work directly with one of the Center’s domains of practice, which include: Humanitarian NGOs, Justice and Human Rights Organizations, Philanthropy, Nonprofits in China, and Arts, Culture and Media. Throughout the year the Fellow may be involved in furthering the domain’s goals of improving interaction between practitioners and scholars in the field, assisting with the development of innovative curricular offerings, and creating multiple channels of connection between scholarship, practice, and teaching of issues related to the domains. See Mid-Career Fellowships for additional information.