Student fellows are the heart of the Center for Public Leadership’s mission to develop principled, effective public leaders capable of solving the world’s most pressing problems.
In addition to receiving tuition support, our students participate in robust, cohort-based co-curricular programming grounded in servant leadership and experiential learning designed to deepen self-awareness, cultural humility, collaboration and social responsibility. Harvard’s community of faculty and practitioners integrate rigorous academic preparation with the world of practice to equip students with the knowledge and character to lead change.
Application and Selection Process
Fellowships are awarded through a selective, multi-phase process led by the Center for Public Leadership in collaboration with faculty, staff, and fellowship alumni. Each year, we select students who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a deep commitment to public service, a collaborative spirit, and a desire to contribute to the CPL community. In addition, each fellowship has its own eligibility criteria and areas of focus, which applicants should review carefully before applying.
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and disciplines who are ready to contribute to and grow within a diverse, values-driven leadership community.
Please note: CPL does not offer fellowship deferrals. If an applicant is granted an admissions deferral from their Harvard graduate school, we encourage them to reapply for fellowship consideration in the following cycle.
Fellows are selected based on four key criteria:
Commitment to Public Service
A demonstrated dedication to serving others through civic engagement, professional roles, activism, or community work.
Leadership Ability
A record of initiative, influence, and the ability to drive change in organizations or communities.
Vision and Desired Impact
A compelling sense of purpose and the ability to articulate future goals that align with the mission of the fellowship.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
A spirit of humility, generosity, and a commitment to giving back and fostering inclusive, mission-driven communities
- December–January: Applications open for incoming students
- February–March: Interviews and decisions for incoming student fellowships
- Fall semester: Fellowship programming begins
Please see individual fellowship pages for fellowship-specific deadlines and specific application details:
Students may apply for multiple fellowships at CPL, but we encourage applicants to be thoughtful about applying to the fellowship(s) that align(s) best with the applicants' experience and goals.
No, student cannot be awarded more than one CPL fellowship during any given academic year.
For most fellowships, Harvard Kennedy School makes financial assistance decisions at the time when applicants are admitted, and fellowship funds are allocated for the duration of HKS studies. Thus, it is not possible to provide financial aid for students who are already at the Harvard Kennedy School or for returning students.
CPL fellowships are available only to incoming students, with the exception of the George Leadership Fellowship and Zuckerman Fellowship. See eligibility criteria for these on the individual fellowship pages.
No, fellowship funding and stipends (if applicable) may only be applied to the Harvard cost of attendance, unless the specific fellowship allows otherwise.
The Center for Public Leadership welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of immigration status. All undocumented individuals are eligible for consideration of CPL merit-based fellowship awards whether or not they have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA). If you have any questions about applying to HKS as an undocumented person, please contact the Harvard Kennedy School Office of Admissions.
All application documents and supporting materials must be submitted via the Student Financial Services website unless otherwise noted on the specific fellowship page on the CPL website. No application materials will be accepted via email or mail. If you have a question about submitting your materials or experience technical difficulties, please contact the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid at admissionsandaid@hks.harvard.edu or by phone at 617-495-1155.
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, CPL is unable to confirm receipt of applications. Applicants are invited to check the status of their applications on the online financial assistance application system.
No, all application materials must be submitted by the financial assistance application deadline.
The CPL Fellowships Selection Committee will review the three letters of recommendation and resume that were submitted to the HKS admissions committee, in addition to the specific materials submitted for each fellowship.
If you experience technical difficulties, please contact the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid at admissionsandaid@hks.harvard.edu or by phone at 617-495-1155.
If you have an update to your application, please contact the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid at admissionsandaid@hks.harvard.edu or by phone at 617-495-1155.
Finalists will be contacted in late February of each year with an invitation to interview.
All interviews will be conducted virtually via Zoom. Applicants are encouraged to wear business attire for their interviews.
All finalists will be contacted in March regarding the status of their applications for the fellowship program(s) to which they applied. CPL will send notification letters by email during the same time frame.
No, fellowship offers cannot be deferred. Applicants who are awarded a fellowship and decide to defer their offer of admission to Harvard are invited to re-apply for the fellowship program for the year they will enroll at Harvard.
Please refer to individual fellowship pages for details.
The co-curricular program includes regular sessions with dinners, an annual fellows’ retreat, and robust leadership field experience trips grounded in discussions with visionary leaders whose work has significant impact. The program also includes faculty-led sessions focused on strengthening core competencies central to public leadership such as promoting strong character and ethics, mastering the arts of persuasion and negotiation, leading effective teams and organizations and fostering sound decision-making.
The co-curricular program is an active leadership development model designed to help students grow and develop their leadership skills. Students will engage in hands on experiential learning and will plan and execute a leadership field experience trip to examine regional policy issues. The co-curricular program also enables students to build lasting ties and networks that are a powerful force for change.
Yes, group cohesion and accountability are important elements to the fellowship experience. Attendance is expected at all fellowship sessions, with the exception of prior academic commitments. Active participation in all co-curricular programming is a requirement of all fellows for the duration of the award and is key to making the most out of the fellowship experience.
CPL Fellowships At a Glance
student fellowship programs
student fellows per year
CPL fellowship alumni
Current Fellows
Our fellows bring to CPL a wide range of experiences, viewpoints, areas of expertise, and passions.