The George Leadership Fellowships support selected students in the third year of the joint degree program offered through Harvard Business School (HBS) and Harvard Kennedy School (HKS). The fellowships reflect the foundation’s commitment to enhancing public service by investing in character formation and leadership development.
The George Fellowship created a much-needed space for me to reflect on my approach to driving positive change while learning from an inspiring community of peer leaders across the public, private, and social sectors.
Jerren Chang, MPP/MBA 2021
WHAT WE OFFER
The fellowship provides:
- Financial support for third year joint HKS/HBS students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School
- A one year co-curricular/leadership development program with sessions that are led by fellows
- A network of exceptional peers and mentors who will enhance your ability to impact the communities you serve
THE AWARD
Recipients of the George Leadership Fellowship will receive a $12,000 stipend during their third year as a joint degree student at HKS/HBS.
ELIGIBILITY
The fellowship is open to all incoming third year joint degree students at Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. Eligible students will be contacted by CPL early in the spring semester of their 2nd year.
The fellowships are merit-based and administered by the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. The George Leadership Fellowship is awarded based on the recipient’s potential to lead change for the common good. George Leadership Fellows have a strong moral compass and the capacity to work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Special emphasis is placed on authentic leadership, character development, and ethical leadership. Applicants are asked to provide an example of a crucible moment in their lives that helped shape who they are as an authentic leader and how this experience shaped how they lead and empower others.
THE FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE
Fellows will participate in a yearlong co-curricular program designed by Harvard Kennedy School’s Center for Public Leadership. This not-for-credit program is intended to inspire, to provide concrete opportunities for leadership skill-building, and to connect fellows with an interdisciplinary network of like-minded peers and mentors that will last a lifetime. The fellowship co-curricular program includes dinner seminars, an annual retreat, and experiential learning grounded in discussions with visionary leaders whose work has had significant impact in the world. The program will also focus on strengthening the capacity for public leadership through reflection, mentorship, and skill building.
The Fellows create a vibrant network of students and alumni committed to advancing knowledge, collaborating on solutions to pressing problems, and building leadership capacity in their communities, their nation, and the world.
Program manager
Jim West
The Center for Public Leadership acknowledges the generosity of the George Family Foundation for its support of the George Leadership Fellowship