Students come to Harvard Kennedy School to pursue their passions, learn about complex issues, and gain insight into public policy firsthand. Many students in our two-year programs put their classroom learning into action through internships between their first and second years. Read a collection of students' internship and fellowship experiences from this past summer below.
Policy in practice: HKS students tackle housing issues in cities across the U.S.
Several students explored housing policy in the United States—tackling issues like homelessness, displacement, and sustainability.
Honoring legacy and embracing public service
During his Dukakis Fellowship in the Office of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Eli Melendrez MPP 2026 discovered just how unpredictable—and deeply human—public service can be.
Policy in practice: students take on climate and sustainability challenges this summer
These four students took on internships bridging climate, sustainability, and social impact, and spanning contexts from East Africa to Bozeman, Montana.
From HKS to Honolulu: Alissa Ji MPP 2027 tackles Hawaiʻi’s housing crisis
Alissa Ji MPP 2027 worked with Hawaiʻi Governor Josh Green’s Housing Team to address one of the nation’s most severe housing crises.
Policy in practice: HKS students explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and communities
Several students explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and communities around the globe—from rural healthcare systems to workforce development.
Gergen Fellows reflect on summer experiences, advancing climate action, health equity, education access
Gergen Fellows learned public leadership on the job, in support of a wide range of policy issues from international climate challenges to access to higher education.
Discovering the power of culture: my summer at UNESCO Santiago
Dasom Shin MPA/ID 2026 spent eight weeks exploring the intersection between cultural heritage preservation and sustainable development as an intern in the Regional Office of UNESCO in Santiago, Chile.
Empowering youth and strengthening communities: Colin Jun MPP 2026’s summer in Meghalaya, India
Through the Growth Lab summer internship program, Colin Jun MPP 2026 worked with the State Government of Meghalaya, in Shillong, India, developing a communications strategy MPOWER—a project aimed at improving the lives of the children and teens.
